WASHINGTON – Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline today was elected president of the National Conference of Democratic Mayors.

“It is truly an honor to be elected to lead the nation’s Democratic mayors at such a critical time in our history,” he said in a statement. “As we prepare to elect the next president of the United States, it’s important that candidates focus on the issues impacting America’s families, such healthcare, education, energy and jobs.

“I pledge to work harder than ever in partnership with other mayors and Congressional leaders to advance the priorities of America’s cities.”

The Providence mayor, who has just concluded a term as the public policy group’s vice president, succeeds Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, its president for the past year. Cicilline was recommended for the leadership post by the three members of the nominating committee: Dannel P. Malloy, mayor of Stamford, Conn.; Ron Dellums, mayor of Oakland, Calif.; and Kathy Taylor, mayor of Tulsa, Okla.

Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez was re-elected as the public policy group’s vice president of finance, while Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was re-elected as vice president and Democratic National Committee representative.

The National Conference of Democratic Mayors advocates for long-term investments in cities, to spur economic development and create job opportunities, and promotes quality health care coverage and education. To learn more, visit www.ncdm.org.