ETCOG Leaders Take on Statewide Roles at TARC Training

ETCOG is pleased to announce its new Chairman, Camp County Judge AJ Mason; the new Board and Executive Committee Officers serving for FY 2027; and Executive Committee members beginning a new two-year term. The ETCOG Board of Directors appoints the Executive Committee, which meets monthly and is responsible for establishing the policies, programs, and services on behalf of the Board for our 14-county region. Board Officers Chairman – Camp County Judge AJ Mason 1st Vice-Chairman – Smith County Commissioner Ralph Carraway, Sr. 2nd Vice Chairman – City of Carthage City Commissioner Tate Barber 3rd Vice Chairman – Rains County Commissioner Jeremy Cook Secretary/Treasurer – City of Longview Mayor Kristen Ishihara “Working with elected officials from across East Texas is a privilege I greatly enjoy while serving on the ETCOG Executive Committee,” said Judge Mason. “Due to the efforts of ETCOG leadership and staff, we look forward to a record year in FY 2027. Serving East Texans in communities in all 14 counties is our focus. Senior meal programs, childcare, employers and job seekers, rural transportation, public safety and peace officer training, 911 emergency systems and economic development are only a few of the areas benefiting our East Texas communities due to the efforts of this outstanding organization.” Executive Committee Members Returning for New Terms The following Executive Committee members have been appointed to new two-year terms: Cherokee County – City of Rusk Mayor Ben Middlebrooks Gregg County – Judge Bill Stoudt Gregg County Cities – City of Longview Mayor Kristen Ishihara Panola County – City of Carthage City Commissioner Tate Barber Smith County – Commissioner Ralph Caraway, Sr. Smith County Cities – Whitehouse Mayor James Wansley New Executive Committee Members ETCOG is proud to welcome the following new Executive Committee members for a two-year term: Marion County – City of Jefferson Councilman Charles (Bubba) Haggard Upshur County – Judge-Elect Brandon Dodd (Effective 1/1/2027) "I am grateful for the volunteer service rendered by all of our elected officials and particularly want to thank and congratulate our returning Chairman, Judge AJ Mason, and the rest of our ETCOG Officers and Board members for their selfless dedication and service to our region," said ETCOG's Executive Director, David Cleveland. These new officers and board member terms were approved at our September 24th Board of Directors meeting, where the FY 2027 Budget and Planning Guide totaling $90.6 M was also approved. The budget is the largest in agency history and represents a balanced budget, with revenue sources matching projected expenditures for all funds. To learn more about the FY 2027 budget and program goals, visit www.etcog.org/financials .

Eligible communities must submit applications by November 19, 2026.

110th Semi-Annual Board of Directors Meeting to be Held September 24th

Public comments will be accepted through October 11, 2026.

This summer, ETCOG Director of Aging Programs Adrian Cornejo welcomed an extraordinary experience into his home through his volunteer work with Creating Friendships for Peace (CFP). For one month, Adrian hosted two students from Cyprus, Michael and Derin, who came to East Texas through the CFP program. During their stay, the students shared a room in Adrian’s home, experienced daily life in the region, shadowed Adrian at ETCOG, and attended an ETCOG Executive Committee meeting. Creating Friendships for Peace brings young people from communities affected by longstanding divisions together for cultural exchange, dialogue, and relationship-building. Cyprus has been divided for decades between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, with a history of conflict and mistrust that can shape how young people see those from the other side of the island. Adrian said the experience gave him a deeply personal view of how division can affect young people and how meaningful it can be when they have the opportunity to connect outside of those divisions. “What I witnessed through these young men was difficult to process,” Adrian said. “Each of their societies has, in different ways, instilled distrust, division, and even hatred toward people on the ‘other side.’ Perhaps the most heartbreaking part is hearing that this begins when they are children.” Through his involvement with CFP, Adrian also hosted two young men from Israel for a few days, one Jewish Israeli and one Arab Israeli, who similarly came from communities shaped by complex social and political divisions. “This is not a political story,” Adrian said. “It is a personal reflection on what has been one of the most emotional and humbling experiences of my life. Hearing the students’ experiences made me realize just how much we take for granted here in the United States,” he said. “We have the freedom to think, to question, and to decide for ourselves what we believe and how we treat others.” For Michael and Derin, their time in East Texas offered an opportunity to see a different community, to witness regional collaboration in action as our elected officials voted on ETCOG business, and to build friendships beyond the boundaries and assumptions they may encounter at home. “I think words are too little to describe the last four weeks,” said Michael. “This month we became a family. I was talking with Derin, and I told him it feels like we are packing to go to vacation, not home.” “I want to thank Mr. Adrian for hosting us and being part of our destiny in this trip,” said Darin. “You are very hard working and care about us. I am very grateful for you taking us to San Antonio trip, for your work, and giving us opportunities to meet wonderful people…I wish to mature up and become a person like you one day who helps everyone like you do.” Adrian said the friendships formed through CFP demonstrate that meaningful change often starts on a personal level. “Peace doesn’t begin with governments or political agreements,” Adrian said. “Sometimes, it begins with a conversation, a friendship, and the willingness to see another person as a human being rather than as a representative of ‘the other side.’” He added that he is grateful for the friendships and perspectives the students brought into his life. “I will carry their stories, their friendship, and what I learned from them with me for a very long time,” Adrian said. ETCOG is proud to recognize Adrian’s commitment to service and his willingness to share both his home and workplace with students participating in this important exchange for peace.

The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) has received a $175,000 grant from the Texas Veterans Commission to continue transportation services for veterans through its rural transit district, GoBus. The funding is part of more than $3.3 million in Texas Veterans Commission grants awarded this month to 13 veteran-service organizations across East Texas. Statewide, the commission awarded $40.8 million to organizations helping veterans and their families access critical services. For many veterans in rural East Texas, reliable transportation can be a barrier to medical appointments, employment, education, grocery stores, social service programs, and other essential destinations. The grant will help GoBus continue providing transportation options that support veterans’ independence and connection to the services they need. “We are grateful to the Texas Veterans Commission for investing in transportation access for veterans in our region,” said ETCOG’s Transportation Director, Vince Huerta. “Through GoBus, we can help reduce the transportation barriers that too often stand between veterans and essential health care, employment opportunities and community resources. With this grant, we are proud to offer free trips for veterans and active service members, their spouses and dependents.” GoBus provides public transportation across East Texas, helping residents in rural communities travel safely and affordably where transportation options may otherwise be limited. Every single vehicle in our fleet is ADA compliant and ready to serve passengers with mobility challenges, disabilities, or special needs. The Texas Veterans Commission’s Fund for Veterans’ Assistance supports organizations that provide direct assistance to veterans, their families and surviving spouses. Grant funding helps address service gaps in areas such as transportation, housing, financial assistance, legal services, and other supportive programs. Veterans who need transportation assistance are encouraged to contact GoBus to learn about available services, eligibility requirements, and how to schedule a trip. For more information about GoBus, visit www.gobustransit.com or call 903-215-8870.

ETCOG was honored to support the City of Lindale in its recent search for a new City Manager, providing professional executive recruitment services that helped guide the city through an important leadership transition. The search resulted in the selection of Mike Murray, an experienced local government professional with decades of municipal leadership experience in city administration, economic development, infrastructure planning, budgeting, and public service. For ETCOG, this partnership reflects the organization’s continued commitment to supporting member governments across East Texas, especially smaller communities that may not have full-service human resources, recruitment, or communications teams in-house. “Working alongside our member governments in these moments is incredibly meaningful,” said Brandy Brannon, ETCOG Assistant Executive Director. “Many elected officials serve in volunteer roles while also balancing full-time careers and other responsibilities. When a city is searching for a key leadership position, such as a City Manager, we know how much time and coordination that process requires. Being able to step in, manage the details, and provide qualified candidates through a professional screening process is a tremendous way we can support them.”  Through our Executive Recruitment Services, ETCOG assists cities with multiple stages of the hiring process, including job description development, position marketing, applicant screening, resume review, interview coordination, candidate review, and technical assistance. Our team brings experience in recruitment, human resources, public relations, and marketing, allowing the organization to provide comprehensive support for member governments with limited funding and staff capacity. “Our role is to be a trusted facilitator,” Brannon said. “We are not there to make the decision for a city. We are there to help make the process easier, stronger, and more manageable so local leaders can make an informed choice with confidence.” Congratulations to the City of Lindale, Mayor Gavin Rasco, the Lindale City Council, city staff, and Mike Murray on this important milestone! We look forward to seeing Lindale continue to grow and thrive under its new leadership. For more information about this offering, visit www.etcog.org/executive-recruitment .

Whether you're a board member, elected official, community partner, or simply curious about how regional collaboration works—these sessions are 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.  Upcoming Workshops Workforce Solutions East Texas 101 Learn how Workforce Solutions East Texas connects job seekers, employers, students, and families with workforce development services, child care assistance, training opportunities, and business solutions. ETCOG 101 Get a broad overview of the East Texas Council of Governments, our mission, the programs we administer, and the impact our organization has across the 14-county region. GoBus 101 Discover how GoBus provides safe, reliable transportation for thousands of East Texans each year. Learn about the services available, who is eligible to ride, and why public transportation is a vital resource for many people in our communities. Every day, our team works to improve the quality of life for East Texans by delivering trusted solutions. These workshops are a great way to connect with our staff and gain a better understanding of the services available throughout East Texas. View upcoming dates and register at: https://www.etcog.org/etcog-101-workshops