ETCOG Announces Regional Award Recipients for Exemplary Contributions to East Texas

East Texas Council of Governments • March 26, 2024
A collage of photos of people standing next to each other holding awards.

ETCOG honored regional citizens who exemplify excellence in performance, innovation, and contributions to the community at its 105th Semi-Annual Board of Directors Meeting last week at the Jeffersonian Institute in Jefferson, Texas. The meeting was led by ETCOG’s Board Chairman, Harrison County Commissioner William Hatfield, which included celebrating seven regional award winners at the ceremony. Honoree information is as follows:

 

REGIONAL FIRST RESPONDER AWARD

ETCOG presented a Regional First Responder Award, recognizing a first responder who has rendered extraordinary service, putting their lives on the line for our safety while performing their duties. Sergeant Konrad Roberts, from the Longview Police Department, was recognized for his dedication to ensuring the safety of his community and fellow officers. His dedication and character go beyond his duty, as he actively mentors young officers, shoulders additional responsibilities, and continuously seeks opportunities to enhance his leadership skills. Beyond his role as a sergeant and police officer, Roberts is a devoted father and full-time student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. An excerpt from his award nomination proudly states, “Konrad Roberts deserves this award for not only the commitment he gives to the Longview community through serving and protecting, but for the countless hours he spends trying to improve himself so that he can be the best possible version of himself for the people of Longview.”

 

REGIONAL CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

ETCOG's Regional Citizen of the Year award is designed to honor a citizen of East Texas who has contributed to the region's well-being. Dina Carroll of Jefferson and Paula Jimenez of Longview received the awards.

 

Dina Carroll, a lead volunteer helping run the Friends of Jefferson Animals rescue, has been awarded this prestigious award for her dedication to animal welfare. Carroll was nominated for this award by over 50 community members for her tireless efforts in rescuing, caring for, and finding homes for abandoned and abused animals. Through her leadership efforts, she raises awareness of the importance of spaying and neutering pets, advocates for responsible pet ownership, and educates the community on animal protection issues. Friends of Jefferson Animals is a non-profit run by three volunteers, including Carroll, who also works full-time and dedicates her free time to the agency along with her son Cooper.

 

Paula Jimenez is passionate about supporting communities and vital resources. Raised in adversity by a single mother among seven siblings, Jiminez is a testament to hard work and resilience. Despite facing many challenges, her spirit and drive propelled her to become a first-generation college graduate, earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology. During her time as a private investigator, she provided free services advocating for justice through her involvement with “The Innocence Project,” working to reunite torn families. Within our communities, she has helped release 14 innocent citizens from incarceration and helped reunite 134 children back to their families. Beyond her professional endeavors, she supports victims of human trafficking and leads fundraising initiatives for numerous nonprofits, showcasing her leadership and dedication to serving others.

 

REGIONAL CORPORATE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

The Regional Corporate Citizen of the Year award honors a corporate partner in East Texas who has contributed to the region's well-being. The ETCOG board conferred the award to The Genesis Group in Tyler, a software solution provider that has revolutionized public safety operations while remaining deeply committed to making a lasting impact in the region. In their 35 years of operation, they have supported public safety initiatives with software to promote emergency preparedness, ensuring the safety of public safety operators and enhancing overall community resilience. One notable initiative is the groundbreaking eBONDS software platform, offered at no cost to county governments, modernizing jail operations across the ETCOG region, reducing detention periods, and streamlining bail bonding processes. Through strategic partnerships and targeted philanthropic initiatives, The Genesis Group has supported local nonprofits dedicated to addressing issues such as children’s welfare, education, and food insecurity.

 

REGIONAL STATESMANSHIP AWARD

Gladewater Councilwoman Brandy Flannagan has been awarded this year's Regional Statesmanship Award for her valuable and dedicated service to regional cooperation. Flannagan was nominated by several community members, including a fellow Gladwater councilperson, who shared, “Brandy has served the Gladewater City Council tirelessly for six years and has now committed to lending her talents to and running for the office of mayor. She has been instrumental in the long process of creating a budget surplus in our city, moving the balance from $13 in 2018 to an estimated $1 million-plus this year. She brings a wealth of fiscal knowledge to the table and uses that expertise to benefit all of the citizenry.” Flanagan’s impact transcends municipal boundaries, as evidenced by her role as a business advisor for many East Texas counties through the UT Tyler Longview Small Business Development Center. Her leadership has facilitated increased engagement from local businesses, fostering economic growth and access to resources in neighboring communities.


REGIONAL COMMITTEE SERVICE AWARD

Gregg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano has served on the ETCOG Criminal Justice Advisory Committee for over 20 years. Through his exemplary service, he was chosen for the Regional Committee Service Award, recognizing an individual who has demonstrated a sustained, dedicated commitment to ETCOG efforts and activities. Sheriff Cerliano has been a dedicated committee member, lending his expertise, insights, and discernment to advancing regional grant recommendations and other needed services for our entire region. His tireless efforts have played a crucial role in shaping policies, initiatives, and programs to enhance public safety and promote fairness within our criminal justice system. His dedication to upholding the principles of justice, integrity, and professionalism has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and colleagues throughout East Texas.


“Sheriff Maxey’s commitment to Public Service and servants heart can be clearly seen in how he cares for the daily welfare of the law abiding citizens of Gregg County and East Texas.” Said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. “His contributions to the County and the region over the past 25 years go well beyond the scope of this award. We are fortunate to have him as our Sherriff and I am glad we could honor him in this way!”


REGIONAL SHINING STAR AWARD

This year, ETCOG initiated the Regional Shining Star Award to recognize persons who have provided exceptional support or invaluable partnership to the East Texas Council of Governments. Nancy Hoehn, serves as our region’s Public Transportation Coordinator representative with TxDOT. ETCOG first worked with Hoehn in her previous role as the Transportation Director of the Ark-Tex Council of Governments to bridge service gaps and coordinate partnerships between our regions. ETCOG’s Assistant Transportation Director, Katey Pilgram, shared at the awards presentation, “Her relationship with ETCOG expanded when she took on her current role with TxDOT as our Public Transportation Coordinator, which involves overseeing multiple agencies, including ETCOG’s transportation program. Regardless of her role and duties, there is one thing that has not changed: her passion to educate and inspire transit agencies and other local organizations to work together for the greater good of the residents we serve. She has been a constant resource for ETCOG and always encourages partnerships between agencies. This has been successful because, during her tenure with TxDOT, all of the transit agencies in East Texas have agreements in place with one another that have resulted in no area in East Texas being unserved.”


"It was our honor to host our regional awards ceremony, where we celebrated the remarkable contributions of individuals, elected officials, and organizations that have made a positive impact on our region, said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. "This event is a tribute to those who have shown exceptional dedication and leadership in their respective fields and made a significant difference in the lives of the people they serve."


Photos of the event are available on the ETCOG Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EastTexasCOG.

Veterans and Job Seekers Connect at Hiring Red, White & You! Job Fair in Longview

November 7, 2025
On Wednesday, November 5, Workforce Solutions East Texas hosted the region’s largest hiring event of the year at the Maude Cobb Convention Center in Longview, as part of the Texas Workforce Commission’s 14th annual Hiring Red, White & You! statewide initiative. The event honored veterans with an opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m., followed by a job fair from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. open to the public. More than 65 employers participated, offering opportunities for veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses, and other job seekers. Among the exhibitors, ETCOG hosted a booth to recruit new drivers for the GoBus public transit program. “East Texas is blessed to have so many vets to call our neighbors,” said Doug Shryock, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.), Executive Director of Workforce Solutions East Texas. “Knowledge, skills, and abilities—hard-won across the country and around the world—make our communities stronger and more vibrant. Our employers need these valuable resources.” This year’s event was part of a statewide effort to support veterans in their transition to civilian careers. Since its launch in 2012, Hiring Red, White & You! has connected over 153,000 job seekers, including 52,000 veterans, with more than 26,000 employers across Texas. “ It’s important that we continue to serve those who served, and do so with priority, resources, and commitment,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “Hiring Red, White & You! events make a difference in the lives of veterans across Texas.” Event Highlights: Total job seekers served: 438 Employers represented: 69 Workforce Solutions East Texas and ETCOG thank all participants, employers, and partners who made this event a success. Together, we continue to build a stronger workforce and honor the contributions of our veterans.

ETCOG Honored with 2025 Impact Award from the National Association of Development Organizations

November 5, 2025
ETCOG has received a 2025 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for its efforts in building Veteran-Friendly Communities in East Texas. The Veteran-Friendly Community Designation Program launched in 2024 as a collaborative effort between ETCOG, the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG), the University of Texas at Tyler (UTT), and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). This program formally recognizes communities that show strong, lasting support for military veterans through policies, services, and community involvement. It requires each participating city or county to provide a comprehensive community profile, develop a plan focused on veterans, and commit to an annual self-assessment to maintain the designation. Tyler/Smith County and Quitman/Wood County were the first to receive the designation and have become a model for supporting veterans in areas such as housing, employment, healthcare, and education. Presented annually, the NADO Impact Awards honor regional development organizations and their partners for strengthening communities, building regional resilience, and enhancing local economies through innovative approaches to economic and community development. NADO is a Washington, DC-based membership association of regional development organizations that promotes programs and policies that strengthen local governments, communities, and economies. This year’s cohort included 90 impactful projects led by 79 organizations across 24 states. These award-winning efforts were recognized during NADO’s 2025 Annual Training Conference, held this past October in Salt Lake City, Utah. All selected projects are featured in an interactive StoryMap that showcases summaries, images, and key partners. The map is available at www.nado.org/2025impactawards/ . “The Impact Awards are an annual reminder of the creativity and commitment that regional development organizations bring to their communities,” said 2024-2025 NADO President Rick Hunsaker, Executive Director of the Region XII Council of Governments in Iowa. “This year’s awardees show how local and regional partnerships, driven by vision and collaboration, can lead to lasting positive change across our country.” “We’re proud to be recognized by NADO for a program that recognizes the men and women who lay their lives on the line to keep us free!” said David Cleveland, Executive Director of ETCOG. “In East Texas, we believe in taking care of our veterans—not just with words, but with our actions. The Veteran-Friendly Community Designation Program demonstrates that when communities come together with a clear purpose, we can build something that truly makes a difference. We hope this program becomes a blueprint for how regions can support and encourage those who served all of us.” The Impact Awards are presented in memory of Aliceann Wohlbruck, NADO’s first executive director, who was a lifelong advocate for regional solutions and rural economic development.

Now Accepting Applications: 2025 Veteran-Friendly Community Designation

November 5, 2025
Communities across East Texas are invited to apply for ETCOG’s 2025 Veteran-Friendly Community Designation. The program highlights local cities and counties that make an exceptional effort to honor and assist veterans and their families. In its first year, two East Texas communities, Quitman/Wood County and Tyler/Smith County, earned the designation. The initiative has already drawn national attention, earning ETCOG the Achievement Award from the National Association of Regional Councils and the Impact Award from the National Association of Development Organizations. “Communities that invest in their veterans strengthen the entire region,” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. “This designation shows a shared commitment to welcoming service members home and helping them thrive.” Applications are open through Thursday, December 19, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ETCOG staff are available to help with the process, and all eligible cities are encouraged to apply.  For details and application materials, visit www.etcog.org/veteran-friendly-community .

Whitehouse Mayor James Wansley Named Vice President of the Texas Association of Regional Councils Board

November 5, 2025
In September, Whitehouse Mayor and ETCOG Board Chairman, James Wansley, took the Oath of Office to serve as vice president of the Texas Association of Regional Councils (TARC) Board, the statewide association of regional councils, whose members are focused on enhancing the quality of life through regional strategies, partnerships, and solutions. Wansley serves on the board as a representative of ETCOG. The TARC Board elected Mayor Wansley to serve as its vice president for 2025-2026 during its annual Board of Directors meeting held in Austin last month. "It is my honor to represent ETCOG on the Texas Association of Regional Councils (TARC) board," said Wansley. "Each of TARC's 24-member Councils of Governments operates independently. During our TARC sessions, we come together to explore what's new, what works, and what needs to be improved. As vice-president of the TARC board, I look forward to learning more about successful processes and programs from other Councils of Governments and how they might help ETCOG fill service and funding gaps in our region." Mayor Wansley took office as Whitehouse Mayor in 2020 and has served as a member of the ETCOG Board of Directors and Executive Committee since 2022. He became Chairman of the ETCOG Board and Executive Committee Chairman on October 1, 2025. “Mayor Wansley is always willing to serve wherever he can, and wherever he serves, he makes a difference!” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. “In his new role as TARC Vice President, I am absolutely certain he will be an effective ambassador for identifying and implementing regional solutions to the challenges we face, both in East Texas and throughout the State!”

Revitalize East Texas: Funding Available for Brownfield Site Assessment

By East Texas Council of Governments • November 5, 2025
Empty buildings and unused lots can weigh a community down, but they also hold potential. ETCOG’s Brownfield Site Reuse & Revitalization Program offers funding through a $1 million EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant to help East Texas communities turn those properties into productive spaces again. What is a Brownfield? Brownfield – 1. real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. 2. abandoned or underutilized property that is not being redeveloped because of fears that it may be contaminated with hazardous substances. The grant covers environmental site assessments, cleanup and reuse planning, and surveys for regulated building materials—all at no cost to cities, counties, or property owners. Whether you’re envisioning new housing, business development, or community gathering places, this program can help bring those ideas to life. Funding is available through September 2027, and ETCOG staff are available to guide applicants every step of the way.  To nominate a property or learn more, visit www.etcog.org/brownfields-program .
Report with stacked bar graphs detailing quarterly sales data in shades of blue and green.

TxCDBG announcement: Public Comment period for the Draft 2025 State of Texas Consolidated Plan Annual Performance Report

By Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs • October 31, 2025
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) announces the opening of a 15-day public comment period for the State of Texas Draft 2025 Consolidated Plan Annual Performance Report (CAPER): Reporting on Program Year 2024

Whitehouse Mayor James Wansley Named Vice President of the Texas Association of Regional Councils Board

By East Texas Council of Governments • October 28, 2025
In September, Whitehouse Mayor and ETCOG Board Chairman, James Wansley, took the Oath of Office to serve as vice president of the Texas Association of Regional Councils (TARC) Board, the statewide association of regional councils, whose members are focused on enhancing the quality of life through regional strategies, partnerships, and solutions. Wansley serves on the board as a representative of ETCOG. The TARC Board elected Mayor Wansley to serve as its vice president for 2025-2026 during its annual Board of Directors meeting held in Austin last month. "It is my honor to represent ETCOG on the Texas Association of Regional Councils (TARC) board," said Wansley. "Each of TARC's 24-member Councils of Governments operates independently. During our TARC sessions, we come together to explore what's new, what works, and what needs to be improved. As vice-president of the TARC board, I look forward to learning more about successful processes and programs from other Councils of Governments and how they might help ETCOG fill service and funding gaps in our region." Mayor Wansley took office as Whitehouse Mayor in 2020 and has served as a member of the ETCOG Board of Directors and Executive Committee since 2022. He became Chairman of the ETCOG Board and Executive Committee Chairman on October 1, 2025. “Mayor Wansley is always willing to serve wherever he can, and wherever he serves, he makes a difference!” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. “In his new role as TARC Vice President, I am absolutely certain he will be an effective ambassador for identifying and implementing regional solutions to the challenges we face, both in East Texas and throughout the State!” Wansley will be joined on the TARC Executive Committee by City of Waco Mayor Jim Holmes, as president, San Augustine County Judge Jeff Boyd as president-elect, City of Caldwell Mayor Pro-Tem Kavon Novak as immediate past president, and Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments, Eric Bridges, as the Executive Directors’ Council Chair. In addition to its annual Board meeting, the association held training throughout the week for elected officials, executive directors, and program staff representing the councils of governments across the state. About TARC The Texas Association of Regional Councils is the statewide association of regional councils whose members focus on enhancing the quality of life through regional strategies, partnerships, and solutions. The 24 regional councils, also known as councils of governments (COGs), are comprised of city, county, and special district members working together to implement cost-effective, results-oriented strategies that address statewide and local needs on a regional scale. www.txregionalcouncil.org

You're Invited: Three Dates Set for ETCOG 101 Workshops

By East Texas Council of Governments • October 23, 2025
Whether you're a board member, elected official, community partner, or simply curious about how regional collaboration works—this workshop is for you. ETCOG 101 is a great chance to learn how we serve as the bridge between federal, state, and local governments. From job training and transportation to emergency communications and aging services, we’re here to support what makes East Texas strong. Join us to: Understand our mission and regional initiatives. Explore how ETCOG contributes to shaping the future of East Texas. Connect with fellow partners and ETCOG leadership. Workshops will be held in person at ETCOG's main office located at 3800 Stone Road in Kilgore, TX. Each workshop will cover the same material, which includes a general overview of all ETCOG programs. Workshop Dates - Click to Register! Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM (completed) Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM (completed) Thursday, November 13, 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Join Us for a Grand Opening Ceremony for our New GoBus Maintenance Facility!

By East Texas Council of Governments • October 2, 2025
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is proud to announce the grand opening of its new GoBus Maintenance Facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 13, at 2:00 PM. The celebration will take place at the new facility, located directly behind ETCOG’s headquarters at 3800 Stone Road in Kilgore, and the public is invited to attend. This new $3.3 million facility, funded by the Federal Transit Administration and the Texas Department of Transportation, represents a major step forward for the GoBus program. With two work bays, a dedicated wash bay, training rooms, and expanded fleet parking, the facility will serve as the home base for both GoBus administrative and maintenance teams. “This facility allows us to take a more proactive approach to vehicle maintenance and safety,” said Vince Huerta, ETCOG Transportation Director. “Having the ability to complete repairs in-house means we can get vehicles back on the road faster and continue delivering safe, reliable transportation services.” The GoBus program provides public transit service across ETCOG’s 14-county region. By investing in in-house maintenance, ETCOG will be able to improve efficiency, conduct more thorough inspections, and reduce repair turnaround times—all while keeping service reliable for East Texas riders. Community members, partners, and stakeholders are encouraged to join ETCOG staff for the ribbon-cutting and facility tour. The event not only celebrates the opening of a new building but also marks an investment in the future of regional transit and the people who rely on it every day.
Show More