ETCOG Announces Whitehouse Mayor James Wansley as Chairman and Welcomes New Board Officers, Executive Committee Member Terms

ETCOG is pleased to announce its new Chairman, City of Whitehouse Mayor James Wansley, the new Board and Executive Committee Officers serving for FY 2026, and Executive Committee members serving a new two-year term. The ETCOG Board of Directors appoints the Executive Committee, which is responsible for establishing the policies, programs, and services on behalf of the Board for our 14-county region.
Board Officers
Chairman – City of Whitehouse Mayor James Wansley
1st Vice-Chairman – Camp County Judge AJ Mason
2nd Vice Chairman – Smith County Commissioner Ralph Caraway
3rd Vice Chairman – City of Carthage City Commissioner Tate Barber
Secretary/Treasurer – Anderson County Commissioner Rashad Mims
“My first experience of working with ETCOG came shortly after hearing Executive Director David Cleveland speak at a regional broadband workshop. The more I worked with David and the ETCOG staff, the more I saw their passion for serving our communities and the critical role Councils of Governments play in the great State of Texas. Our region has only one Council of Governments, and we are blessed that ours is strong and continually working to do more. Each of our Executive Board’s elected officials, representing ETCOG’s 14 counties, is dedicated to continuing to provide innovative solutions and excellent service. As Chairman for the upcoming fiscal year, I look forward to working with the board, the staff, our committees, and the communities we serve to shape our strategic plan. I am looking forward to working with you,” said Mayor Wansley.
New Executive Committee Terms
Anderson County – Commissioner Rashad Mims
Camp County – Judge AJ Mason
Harrison County – Commissioner William Hatfield
Henderson County – Commissioner Chuck McHam
Rusk County – Commissioner Robert Kuykendall
Van Zandt County – Judge Andy Reese
Wood County – Mayor Randy Dunn
New Executive Committee Members
*Gregg County Cities – City of Longview Mayor Kristen Ishihara
*Gregg County Cities has a one-year unexpired term remaining, for which Mayor Ishihara was nominated to fill the seat.
"I am grateful for the volunteer service rendered by all of our elected officials and particularly want to thank and congratulate our new Chairman, Mayor James Wansley, 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 18th Board of Directors meeting, where the FY 2026 Budget and Planning Guide totaling $86 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. Service program totals are:
- Area Agency on Aging of East Texas – $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
To learn more about the FY 2026 budget and program goals, visit www.etcog.org/financials.




