Providing
REGIONAL SOLUTIONS
for East Texas

ETCOG leaders recently joined Councils of Governments staff from across Texas for the Texas Association of Regional Councils’ (TARC) biannual staff training. Along with strong learning and collaboration opportunities, we were proud to have our Board Chairman and several staff come away from the event with big wins. The week ended with a proud moment for East Texas as ETCOG Board Chairman and Whitehouse Mayor James Wansley was sworn in as TARC President-Elect for 2026–2027. His new role places an East Texas voice in TARC’s leadership and reflects his longstanding commitment to public service and regional cooperation. That leadership presence continued throughout the training. ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland agreed to continue serving as Chair of TARC’s Community and Economic Development Committee, helping guide conversations about the priorities that shape strong communities and create economic opportunity. ETCOG Director of Operations Wendi Horst also began a new chapter of service as TARC’s Chief Financial Officer. During the training, she presented on TARC finances to the Finance and Personnel Association, the Budget and Bylaws Committee, and the TARC Board of Directors, helping keep the organization focused on responsible financial stewardship. ETCOG Assistant Executive Director Brandy Brannon was appointed Vice-Chair of TARC’s Finance and Personnel Association. Her appointment recognizes the knowledge and leadership she brings to supporting the people and operations behind Texas’ regional councils. The trip also marked the launch of a new effort to strengthen how COGs communicate with their communities. ETCOG Director of Communications Lindsay Vanderbilt helped form TARC’s new Communications Work Group and was appointed as its Chair. The group will bring communications professionals together to exchange ideas, share tools, and improve public outreach. From new appointments to continued service, ETCOG’s participation at TARC demonstrated the value of showing up, sharing expertise, and working alongside peers from around the state. These leadership roles give East Texas a strong voice while creating opportunities to bring new ideas and partnerships home to the communities ETCOG serves.

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 .