ETCOG Honors Regional Leaders for Outstanding Contributions at 107th Board of Directors Meeting

East Texas Council of Governments • March 19, 2025
A group of people are standing next to each other holding awards.

Awardees left to right: Britnee Cagle-White accepting for Jason Boyd; Janice Melton, accepting for Commissioner Virgil Melton, Jr.; Patrick Dooley; Rains County Commissioner Jeremy Cook; and Bill Firestone of Republic Services.



ETCOG recognized five outstanding individuals and organizations for their exemplary contributions to the region during its 107th Semi-Annual Board of Directors Meeting on March 18, 2025. The awards celebrate commitment, leadership, and community service, highlighting those who go above and beyond in making East Texas a better place to live and work.

 

REGIONAL FIRST RESPONDER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Patrick Dooley, Rusk County Fire Marshal’s Office
The Regional First Responder of the Year award recognizes first responders who have rendered extraordinary service, putting their lives on the line for our safety while performing their duties as peace officers, firemen, EMS and dispatchers, DPS officers, and troopers. Fire Marshal Patrick Dooley of the Rusk County Fire Marshal’s Office was honored for his heroic actions during the aftermath of Tropical Storm Beryl. On July 8, 2024, Dooley assisted in a life-threatening water rescue, working alongside Trooper Paul Bickerstaff to save a stranded woman from a submerged vehicle. Demonstrating extraordinary bravery and skill, Dooley positioned himself strategically to ensure the rescue team’s safety and played a key role in securing the woman’s safe evacuation. His actions exemplify the dedication and courage of East Texas’ first responders.

 

 

REGIONAL CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Jason Boyd, Smith County Community Emergency Response Team
This award is designed to honor an East Texas citizen who has contributed to the well-being of the East Texas Region. Jason Boyd, founder of the Smith County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), was honored for his dedication to disaster preparedness and emergency response. Since relocating to Smith County, Boyd identified a critical need for a trained volunteer force to assist in times of crisis. He established a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to support CERT, ensuring its sustainability and expanding its reach. Under his leadership, volunteers have received life-saving training, strengthening community resilience. His impact extends beyond Smith County as he mentors and aids other communities in establishing their own CERT programs.

 

REGIONAL CORPORATE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Republic Services - Kilgore, Texas

The Regional Corporate Citizen of the Year award honors a corporate partner in East Texas who has contributed to the well-being of the Region. Republic Services, led by General Manager Bill Firestone, was honored for its extensive contributions to the East Texas region. For over 45 years, Republic Services has supported cities, counties, chambers of commerce, and nonprofit organizations with financial and labor resources. Through research, staff found over 50 organizations whose programs receive support regularly from Republic Services. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, Republic Services demonstrated exceptional corporate citizenship by providing financial assistance to employees, supporting local businesses, and ensuring essential sanitation services continued without interruption. Additionally, Republic has maintained a long-standing presence within ETCOG committees and associated boards, with representatives like Gene Keenon actively shaping workforce and economic development initiatives, as well as advising on regional solid waste minimization programs.

 

REGIONAL STATESMANSHIP AWARD

Commissioner Virgil Melton, Jr. (In Memoriam)

The Regional Statesmanship Award recognizes a local, state, or federal official who has demonstrated valuable, dedicated service to regional cooperation. Former Van Zandt County Commissioner Virgil Melton, Jr. was recognized for his lifelong dedication to public service. A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart Medal and Navy Commendation Medal for Valor, Commissioner Melton’s service to his country was followed by an extensive career in law enforcement and county government. His contributions to Van Zandt County included the development of the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial and over 17 years of service as County Commissioner. Commissioner Melton also served with great distinction for eight years on the ETCOG Board of Directors and Executive Committee, where he was known for his insightful leadership and unwavering commitment to regional collaboration.

 

 

REGIONAL COMMITTEE SERVICE AWARD
Commissioner Jeremy Cook, Rains County

The Regional Committee Service Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a sustained, dedicated commitment to ETCOG efforts and activities. Rains County Commissioner Jeremy Cook was recognized for his outstanding commitment to ETCOG and the broader East Texas community. A dedicated member of multiple ETCOG committees, including the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Solid Waste Advisory Committee, and EasTexConnects transportation committee, Cook is known for his hands-on leadership. Whether resolving critical infrastructure issues, personally assisting residents with 911 address verification, or championing regional initiatives, Cook’s proactive approach and unwavering dedication make a lasting impact.

 

ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland expressed gratitude for the awardees, stating, “Each of these recipients embodies the spirit of service and commitment that makes East Texas such a special place. Their dedication, leadership, and selflessness have left an indelible mark on our communities, and we are proud to recognize their outstanding achievements!”

Request for Applications: High Demand Job Training Grant FY26

By ETCOG & Workforce Solutions East Texas • September 4, 2025
Deadline for applications September 26, 2025

ETCOG Board of Directors to Consider $86M Budget for Fiscal Year 2026

By East Texas Council of Governments • September 4, 2025
The ETCOG Board of Directors will meet this month to consider the largest budget in agency history! The proposed budget totals $86,053,366, reflecting an overall increase of $642,472 compared to the prior year.  Program area revenue totals for the budget this year are: Area Agency on Aging - $4,885,886 Public Safety - $4,363,393 Transportation - $11,745,053 Workforce & Economic Development - $64,503,626 GIS & Regional Technology Solutions - $279,824 General Fund - $275,584 The FY2026 Budget will serve as the financial guide to help each Division meet its respective performance measures and enable ETCOG to continue its efforts to maximize the use of technology to achieve desired service levels, streamline operational processes, safeguard its data investment, and realize our vision and mission. Other business items on the agenda include the chair's report on the year's accomplishments, the election of Executive Committee members and officers, and the presentation of the Chairman's Service Award. The 108th Semi-Annual Board of Directors meeting will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Rusk County Youth Expo Center and Arena in Henderson, Texas. The meeting will begin at 11:45 a.m. We welcome our members and their guests to register to attend at www.etcog.org/open-meetings .

ETCOG Welcomes Adrian Cornejo as New Director of Aging Programs

By East Texas Council of Governments • September 3, 2025
ETCOG is pleased to announce the appointment of Adrian Cornejo as the new Director of the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA). In this role, Cornejo will lead efforts to develop and coordinate services that support the health, independence, and quality of life of older adults across ETCOG’s fourteen-county region. Cornejo brings a strong background in healthcare leadership and military service. He most recently worked as an Account Manager for Humana’s Institutional Special Needs Plan program, where he partnered with skilled nursing facilities to improve care coordination, leading to a 20% reduction in hospital readmissions. Earlier in his career, Cornejo served in the United States Navy for nearly two decades, rising to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer and managing budgets exceeding $550 million while leading more than 350 Sailors and Marines. “Adrian’s leadership experience in both healthcare and the military has equipped him with the skills and dedication needed to serve East Texas seniors,” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. “His background in building partnerships and his deep commitment to public service make him a tremendous asset to our team.” Cornejo shared his enthusiasm for his new role, saying, “It is an honor to join ETCOG and to serve the seniors of East Texas. My goal is to build on the strong foundation already in place at the Area Agency on Aging and continue to expand access to services that help older adults and their families live with dignity and independence.” The AAA is administered through ETCOG and is part of a nationwide network created through the Older Americans Act of 1965. It provides a wide range of services, including information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education, senior nutrition programs, housing repair, caregiver support, and Ombudsman advocacy for individuals in long-term care facilities. These programs are designed to help older residents remain active and independent in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
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Call for Applications for Regional Solid Waste Minimization Projects

By East Texas Council of Governments • August 19, 2025
$ 161,705.00 Estimated to be Available for FY 2026/2027 East Texas Projects

GoBus Wins Marketing Spotlight Award from South West Transit Association

By East Texas Council of Governments • August 7, 2025
Pictured left to right: Baylea Evans, GoBus Strategic Development Manager; David Cleveland, ETCOG Executive Director; Lindsay Vanderbilt, Communications Director; Dylan Cook, Communications Specialist; Katey Pilgram, Associate Director of Transportation ETCOG's rural transit system, GoBus , is pleased to be a recipient of the South West Transit Association's (SWTA) Annual Spotlight Awards . The awards celebrate the exceptional efforts and contributions of transit agencies and organizations across the region that have significantly impacted their communities. ETCOG received the Hit The Spot: Social Media Award for rural systems for our campaign, “On the GO with GoBus!” produced to promote service availability in the rural areas surrounding Longview for residents of White Oak, Lakeport, Hallsville, and Gladewater. "We are thrilled to win a Spotlight Award for our social media campaign developed to raise awareness of public transportation options available within the Longview Urbanized Zone, but outside the city limits where city bus service is not available. These communities, though part of the urban area, were without access to reliable transit. Through TxDOT funding and a unique partnership between Longview Transit and GoBus, we were able to extend service to these underserved areas. The campaign focused on educating residents about their new access to affordable, reliable transportation options,” said ETCOG's Communications Director, Lindsay Vanderbilt. Our Associate Director of Transportation, Katey Pilgram, joined other award recipients and marketing experts to share details on their award-winning campaigns and projects at the SWTA Summer University Conference held July 27-30, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The awards – reviewed and judged by marketing and communication professionals at transit agencies and private marketing firms – are among the oldest awards recognizing marketing campaigns and projects in the public transportation industry, first awarded in 1990. SWTA's membership covers Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

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

By East Texas Council of Governments • July 9, 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 Thursday, November 13, 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
A poster that says rebuilding the fort strategic listening session

Strategic Listening Session on Veteran-Led Community Revitalization Coming to Kilgore

By East Texas Council of Governments • July 7, 2025
On Tuesday, July 29, ETCOG will host Rebuilding the Fort for a Strategic Listening Session from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The event will be held at ETCOG offices located at 3800 Stone Road in Kilgore, with lunch provided courtesy of BBKLAW.COM . This session will introduce Rebuilding the Fort’s veteran-led model for community revitalization, focused on: Activating affordable housing Advancing workforce development Driving economic transformation in underutilized neighborhoods Their team has successfully implemented this approach in cities such as Fort Worth, Hurst, and Balch Springs using tools like:  Pattern books with pre-approved housing designs Land banks and housing trust funds Layered financing strategies (TIF, LIHTC, CDBG, PRI) Veteran development labs and public-private partnerships This is not just a presentation—it’s a working session. They're here to listen, learn, and collaborate with leaders in East Texas with the goal of identifying communities ready to lead regional transformation with the support of a scalable, proven platform. RSVP by emailing support@rebuildingthefort.com.

Environmental Law Training Courses Offered by ETCOG

By Lindsay Vanderbilt • July 7, 2025
Day 1: Basic Environmental Law Training Day 2: Intermediate Environmental Law Training

ETCOG Receives National Recognition for Veteran-Friendly Community Program

By East Texas Council of Governments • June 30, 2025
The National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) awarded the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) an Achievement Award for its efforts to build veteran-friendly communities in East Texas. Regional Achievement awards are presented annually to recognize excellence in programs and services of regional councils, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and other regional organizations across the country. The Achievement Awards were presented during a ceremony at the recent NARC 59th Annual Conference & Exhibition in Seattle, Washington, where ETCOG received the Rural Award. Launched in July 2024, the Veteran-Friendly Community Designation Program was developed by ETCOG in collaboration with the Alamo Area Council of Governments, the University of Texas at Tyler, and the University of Texas at San Antonio. The 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 good models of how to support veterans in areas such as housing, employment, healthcare, and education. “We’re proud to be recognized by NARC for a program that recognizes the men and women that lay their lives on the line to keep us free!,” said David Cleveland, Executive Director of ETCOG. “In East Texas, we’ve always believed in taking care of our veterans—not just with words, but with our actions. This award means a great deal to us, and it 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.” ETCOG has been a long-time member of NARC, whose member organizations are comprised of multiple local governments that work together to serve American communities, large and small, urban and rural. Eight projects submitted from regional planning agencies across the nation received Achievement Awards. About the National Association of Regional Councils NARC serves as a national voice for regions by advocating for regional cooperation as the most effective way to address a variety of community planning and development opportunities and issues. NARC’s member organizations are composed of multiple local governments that work together to serve American communities – large and small, urban and rural. For more information about NARC awards, conferences, and leadership, visit www.NARC.org .
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