TCOG Announces 2018 Better Leader Award Recipients

SHERMAN, October 17, 2019 – Eric M. Bridges, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) announced the Cooke, Fannin, Grayson and Texoma “Better Leader” Award Recipients, all of whom were recognized and presented with awards last night during TCOG’s 2019 Annual Event.

Each year we set aside time during our annual event to give recognition to some remarkable individuals whose passion drives them to improve quality of life in our communities in meaningful ways,” said Bridges. “Their selfless accomplishments and contributions are humbling and very deserving of this honor.”

The recipients of the awards are as follows: Mrs. Leslie Nichols, Cooke County; Mr. Wayne Moore, Fannin County; Mr. & Mrs. Jon & Bev Talbott, Grayson County; and Mark Anderson, Texoma Regional Better Leader.

Cooke County Judge Jason Brinkley, TCOG’s board president, stated, “I want to congratulate the award recipients and thank them for their hard work and commitment to our region. We are fortunate to have countless volunteers that dedicate themselves to improving lives and strengthening our region.”

Leslie Nichols is a 45-year resident of Gainesville. She has volunteered for numerous organizations who needed help with raising operational funds, building funds or any special programs which focused on children. Leslie worked for the Gainesville ISD for 24 years as an ESL teacher and also as director of the GISD Education Foundation before retiring in 2011. Her civic and volunteer engagement includes service on the Gainesville ISD Athletic Booster Club, Key Club, and the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Mrs. Nichols contributed significantly while volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club of Cooke County on the Building Great Kids Capital Campaign, the Littlest Angel Christmas Drive, and the B.U.G.: Bring Up Grades Program. Nichols has also served in the Gainesville Kiwanis Club as director, officer and club president, and was selected as Kiwanian of the Year.

Lindsay Mayor Scott Neu, Gainesville Councilmember Ken Keeler, Cooke County Better Leader 2019 Mrs. Leslie Nichols, TCOG Executive Director Eric Bridges

Nichols’ motto has always been, “it’s all about the kids!” An example of her all-in attitude is with the Family Crisis Shelter known as Abigail’s Arms. During her tenure on the board where she currently serves as board president, Nichols has helped raise over $2 million for a debt-free facility that allows families to escape family violence and feel safe. Nichols’ involvement in the community has helped make Gainesville a better place for all who live in the area.

Native to Bonham, Wayne Moore spent most of his adult life in Arlington, Texas. However, after 15 years with the Arlington Fire Department and an additional 10 years administering Federal programs in the Community Development program, Mr. Moore retired and moved back to Bonham with his wife, Brenda, in 1991. It was then that they purchased and restored 8 old homes, operating one of them as a bed & breakfast for 9 years.

Reverend Cecil Jones, Bonham Councilmember Wayne Moore, Bonham Councilmember Tony Rodriguez, and TCOG Executive Director Eric Bridges

Moore served as mayor pro-tem on the Bonham City Council from 2000-2012 before taking a 5-year break to provide elder care for his aging mother-in-law and now serves in the at-large position on the Council since 2017. He has also served on the board of the Bonham Housing Finance Corporation, Bonham Economic Development Corporation, Texoma Area Paratransit System (TAPS), Texoma Council of Governments, Bonham Housing Authority, and the Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce.

While he certainly stays busy with his volunteer activities, Moore and his wife currently own and operate The Breakfast Stop, a restaurant in downtown Bonham. They have two daughters and four amazing grandchildren.

Jon & Bev Talbott are both long-time Grayson County residents. Jon graduated from Denison Senior High School in 1974, and Bev graduated from Sherman High School in 1976. After spending time in the US Air Force and being assigned to the US Air Force Reserves (Post-Vietnam), Jon met and fell in love with his best friend, Beverly Champion. Together they married in 1979 at the First Baptist Church of Sherman and both attended what was formally known as Grayson County Junior College.

Grayson County Community Representative Bryan Wilson, Grayson County Better Leaders 2019 Jon & Bev Talbott, Denison ISD Trustee Bob Rhoden, and TCOG Executive Director Eric Bridges

Jon pursued a degree in Engineering from Texas Tech University. After graduation, he worked for Texas Instruments where he developed a passion for machine automation before he being recruited to work for another company in New Hampshire. Later, Jon and Bev started a company, GT Equipment Technologies Incorporated, with one of Jon’s coworkers, Kedar Gupta. That company grew to become one of the world leaders in automated high-tech capital equipment for the semiconductor and solar industries.

Being called by God to come back to the Sherman/Denison area so they could care for aging parents, Jon and Beverly exited GTi and settled in Pottsboro in July of 2006. They have since founded the Talbott Foundation in an attempt to be able to help their local community. Indeed, much of the aid provided through the Talbott Foundation is matched by the two personally.

The Talbott’s are proud parents of two and have five wonderful grandchildren. They recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary and are currently members of Georgetown Baptist Church in Pottsboro. When notified of their selection for this award they were initially reluctant to accept it as being in the spotlight isn’t their style and they try to keep a low profile. Their generosity and selflessness is truly indicative of what it means to be a better leader building better lives and that is precisely why they were selected for the award and recognition.

Brinkley, along with Grayson County Commissioner Jeff Whitmire and Denison Mayor Pro-Tem Teresa Adams, unanimously selected this year’s regional Better Leader Award recipient, Mark Anderson. Anderson is a seasoned manager with over 25 years’ experience in operational leadership in manufacturing and service sector industries and has served as the plant manager at Emerson in Sherman for the past six years. Anderson, a US Army Veteran, attended Eastern Kentucky University and majored in business management & economics.

Teresa Adams, Denison Mayor Pro-Tem; Judge Jason Brinkley, Cooke County; Mr. Mark Anderson, Texoma Region Better Leader Award Recipient 2019; Commissioner Jeff Whitmire, Grayson County; Eric Bridges, TCOG Executive Director

Anderson has played an instrumental role in helping to grow the economy and industry workforce. His numerous volunteer activities in the community include: Workforce Solutions of Texoma Board of Directors (2014-present), United Way of Grayson County Board of Directors (2013-2019), CASA of Grayson County Board of Directors (2017-2019), Sherman Education Foundation (2016-2018), Grayson College Manufacturing Technology Advisory Board (2017-2019), Middle Skills Advanced Manufacturing Consortium (2014-2019, Chairman), and the Texoma Behavioral Health Leadership Team (2017-2019).

While not engaged in community activities, Anderson enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and watching or attending sporting events from high school to professional. He and his wife, Shelley – the principal at Anna High School – have four children and four grandchildren.

Brinkley additionally noted, “These individuals are pillars in their communities and are truly helping to build better lives in our region.”

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson counties. Established in 1968, Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Both directly and through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.

TCOG Announces 2018 Better Leader Award Recipients

SHERMAN, October 18, 2018 – Eric M. Bridges, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) announced the Cooke, Fannin, Grayson and Texoma “Better Leader” Award Recipients, all of whom were recognized and presented with awards last week during TCOG’s 2018 Annual Event.

“Each year we set aside time during our annual event to give recognition to some remarkable individuals whose passion drives them to improve quality of life in our communities in meaningful ways,” said Bridges. “Their selfless accomplishments and contributions are humbling and very deserving of this honor.”

The recipients of the awards are as follows: Mrs. Sandy Schmitz, Cooke County; Judge Joe C. Dale, Fannin County; Mrs. Gail Utter, Grayson County; and Bonham Mayor Roy Floyd, Texoma Regional Better Leader.

Cooke County Judge Jason Brinkley, TCOG’s board president, stated, “I want to congratulate the award recipients and thank them for their hard work and commitment to our region. We are fortunate to have countless volunteers that dedicate themselves to improving lives and strengthening our region.”

Commissioner Jeff Whitmire, Grayson County; Judge Jason Brinkley, Cooke County; Mayor Roy Floyd, Texoma Region Better Leader Award Recipient 2018; Judge Spanky Carter, Fannin County

Mayor Roy Floyd of Bonham is no stranger to TCOG. For over 25 years, he served in various capacities on the governing board, including several terms as president.

Born in 1945, Floyd has made a tremendous impact on the lives throughout Texoma. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Arlington Baptist College in 1968 and has also studied at Southern Methodist University, Grayson College, and East Texas State University. He has served as a board member with the Bonham Chamber of Commerce, Texoma Senior Nutrition Board, Oklahoma & Texas’ Association of Broadcasters, Texas Employment Jobs Service Employment Committee, Texoma Workforce Board, and NETSO Trails Boy Scouts Board. Additionally, he has served as board chair for Bonham Rotary Club, Friends of Sam Rayburn, Texoma Regional Blood Center, Fannin County March of Dimes, Bonham Industrial Foundation, and the Texoma Regional Foundation. Since 2004, he has served as Mayor of the City of Bonham.

Floyd has been involved in many projects including: job recruitment through the Bonham Industrial Foundation, 2 State Prisons, Clyde Cosper Texas Veterans Home, Lower Bois d’Arc Lake Project, and the Holiday Inn Express in Bonham. He was instrumental in the formation of the Annual Heritage Day Festival and also played a role in the expansion of Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center.

Floyd has owned several businesses in Bonham including numerous radio stations. In 2015, Floyd was awarded the Community Builder’s Award from the Freemason’s Constantine Lodge No. 13 and the H.G. Dulaney Public Service Award from the Friends of Sam Rayburn.

Dan Busch, Cooke County Community Representative; Councilman Ken Keeler, City of Gainesville; Sandy Schmitz, Cooke County Better Leader Award Recipient 2018; Judge Jason Brinkley, Cooke County

Sandy Schmitz is a former employee of Weber Aircraft (Zodiac) where she worked for 13 years. She and her husband are residents in Cooke County and have three daughters & a son-in-law: Tiffany & Mitchell, Shelby, and Suzanne. They are also the proud grandparents of one, Lucy Marie.

In the spirit of serving, Sandy served on the Hockaday School Board of Trustees where she was chair of the Executive Board. She has served on the board for The Boys & Girls Club for several years where she currently serves as the interim CEO. Schmitz also served on the Home & School Board at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Gainesville and was voted honoree of the year.

Reverend Cecil Jones, Fannin County Community Representative; Judge Spanky Carter, Fannin County; Judge Joe C. Dale, Fannin County Better Leader Award Recipient 2018; Jason Fox, Bonham ISD Trustee; Councilman Tony Rodriguez, City of Bonham

After retiring from Texas Utilities in 1991, Joe C. Dale felt compelled to serve. In May of 1993, Dale was appointed by Fannin County’s Commissioners Court as Justice of the Peace to fill a vacancy on the bench. In 1994, he was formally elected in Fannin County’s Precinct one and, until his retirement in December 2014, was re-elected every term to serve Bonham and the surrounding areas for over 21 years.

Dale currently serves on the board at the Fannin Health Clinic and is the past president at the Fannin County Children’s Center. In addition to these county programs, Dale serves on the Texoma Regional Advisory Committee and represents the senior population at the state level on the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature, a nonpartisan, non-profit organization whose mission is to promote good government for all Texans by directly involving senior citizens in the legislative process.

Dale is a long-time member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Bonham where he serves as a deacon after being ordained in 1969. He and his wife have one daughter, a teacher, who lives in Austin. When he’s not busy being a better leader, he can often be found at Legacy Ridge Country Club practicing his swing of the club.

Dr. Debbie Barnes-Plyler, Grayson College Trustee; Bryan Wilson, Grayson County Community Representative; Gail Utter, Grayson County Better Leader Award Recipient 2018; Commissioner Jeff Whitmire, Grayson County

Gail Utter earned her BBA from Southern Methodist University in Dallas and her MBA from the University of North Texas. With more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, she has received numerous national professional awards in the financial industry including Barron’s Top 1,200 Advisors 2009-18, Barron’s Top 100 Women Advisors 2009-14, along with the statewide Texas Monthly 5-Star: Best in Client Satisfaction Wealth Managers award and, regionally, the Best of Texoma Award.

Utter has served as board member with the American Lung Association, Dallas chapter, chaired Austin College’s Community Campaign and also served on Austin College’s President’s Advisory Board. Additionally, she has served as board member of the Grayson County Airport; is a co-founder and board member of Grand Central Station Dining Car & Soup Kitchen; is the co-founder of NEWCO, a mental health/community service alliance; board member of North Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church Council on Finance and Administration; Executive Committee Member for the Red River March of Dimes; a member of the Rotary Club of Sherman; board member of Sherman Chamber of Commerce and the Sherman ISD Education Foundation; campaign chair and board member for United Way of Grayson County; finance chair at Wesley Village Methodist Retirement Home; and Chair of Wilson N. Jones Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees.

She has been recognized as outstanding citizen of the year at the Sherman Jaycees, Woman of the Year at Business and Professional Women, District 12; Citizen of the Year at the Sherman Chamber of Commerce; 2010 Star Award recipient at Sherman Service League; and 2013 recipient of the Emmett Essin Community Service Award.

Brinkley additional noted, “These individuals are pillars in their communities and are truly helping to build better lives in our region.:

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson counties. Established in 1968, Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Both directly and through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.

TCOG Announces 2017 Better Leader Award Recipients

SHERMAN, September 21, 2017 – Susan B. Thomas, PhD, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) announced the Cooke, Fannin, Grayson and Texoma Better Leader Award recipients, all of whom were recognized and presented with plaques last night during TCOG’s Governing Board meeting.

“The work of these individuals deserves special recognition as they have each demonstrated a sincere desire to improve quality of life in our communities,” stated Dr. Thomas. “A panel of TCOG board members from each county in Texoma evaluated their nominations and selected who they felt exemplified what it means to truly be a better leader.”

The recipients of the awards are as follows: Ms. Loretta Felderhoff, Cooke County; Judge Creta L. “Spanky” Carter, II, Fannin County; Mr. Robert Brady, Grayson County; and Mrs. Angie Hare, Texoma Regional Better Leader.

TCOG Board President, Judge Jason Brinkley of Cooke County, stated, “These fantastic individuals are just a few of many leaders across our community that dedicate their time and efforts to improve lives and make our region a great place to live and work.”

Angie Hare, Texoma Region Better Leader Award Recipient 2017

Angie Hare is the Executive Director at Cooke County United Way where she started working in May 2003. She and her husband, John, moved to Gainesville in 2000 from Fort Worth as John accepted the position as pastor of First Presbyterian Church. Angie and John are the proud grandparents of an adorable granddaughter named Taylor (which is Angie’s maiden name!).

Angie is an elder of the Presbyterian Church PCUSA, member of the Cooke County Republican Women, Historic South Gainesville Neighborhood Association, Lucy Holcomb Pickens Chapter of United Daughters of the Confederacy, Red River Rose Chapter Order of Confederate Rose and is an active member of the Gainesville, Muenster and Valley View chambers.

Angie and John are huge history buffs and typically plan their big annual vacations either exploring Civil War battle sites, retracing American history such as Lewis & Clark Expedition or visiting national parks. They love touring historic towns, museums and points of interest along the trip as well as stopping at the Mom & Pop diners. While John is looking up and forward taking photos as an amateur photographer, Angie is looking down as she is a rock hound and arrow head hunter.

Loretta Felderhoff, Cooke County Better Leader Award Recipient 2017

Loretta Felderhoff has been a volunteer at the Gainesville State School since July 2012. During that time she has registered over 2,800 hours assisting with Catholic services. She organizes and teaches two Catechism classes each week and is instrumental in organizing the two annual Catholic Retreats for the youth on campus. She ensures that the retreats run smoothly and that each volunteer has all the paperwork necessary to enter the campus for these events. She puts in numerous hours behind the scenes and off-the-clock to make everything she does is successful.

Mrs. Felderhoff also mentors troubled young men on campus at the Gainesville State School. She is very dedicated to the youth. She provides what they need, whether it is a kind word, a listening ear or guidance for their future. Mrs. Felderhoff continues to stay in contact with these individuals after they have left the facility and went into “the Free.” Some of the young men she mentors can be difficult and give her “special” challenges; however, she does not give up on them.

Mrs. Felderhoff was awarded the Mentor of the Year award at Gainesville State School during their annual Volunteer appreciation banquet for 2015.

Spanky Carter, Fannin County Better Leader Award Recipient 2017

Judge Spanky Carter was born and raised in Sherman, Texas. He graduated from Sherman High School and attended the University of Texas on a football scholarship. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Angelo State University, making him the first person in his family to attend college and earn a degree. Later, he earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law and is licensed to practice law in both Texas and Oklahoma. He is also the owner of Vision Media Group with radio stations in Bonham and Paris, Texas.

Spanky Carter has been the Fannin County Judge since 2011. During his tenure, through conservative budget management the Fannin County Commissioners Court has consistently lowered the tax rate, built reserves each year and opened a new Agri-Life extension office. They were able to pay off the county’s debt five years early and improve the county’s credit rating. Currently, Judge Carter is overseeing Fannin County’s restoration of their historic courthouse and the construction of a new government building, a $16+ million project. Judge Carter was instrumental in resurrecting TAPS from its recent financial straits via his current position as Chairman of the TAPS Board of Directors. Judge Carter also serves Fannin County in numerous capacities including on the following boards: Texoma Council of Government (Past President 2013-2015), Homeland Security Advisory Committee (Past Chairman), Fannin County Zoning Commission (Current Chairman), Fannin County Juvenile Board, Fannin County Public Facility Corporation, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Fannin County Leadership Advisory Board, Texoma Workforce Development, and Fannin Community Foundation.

Judge Carter and his wife Donna live in Mulberry, Texas and they enjoy spending time with their five children, daughter-in-law and beautiful granddaughter. Judge Carter enjoys working on his farm in Mulberry and having cookouts. He is looking forward to traveling to Austin to attend his daughter’s basketball games at Concordia University Texas.

Robert Brady, Grayson County Better Leader Award Recipient 2017

Robert Brady graduated from Denison High School in 1969 and continued his studies at Grayson College, East Texas State University, and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. He retired from a 32-year career with Johnson & Johnson in Sherman, Texas, as part of Johnson & Johnson’s management team. Robert has extensive experience in all facets of the manufacturing process from Quality Assurance to Process Management.

Mr. Brady served as mayor of Denison for 6 years and served on the city council for 6 years. He has previously served on the TCOG Governing Board, TASWA Executive Committee, RMA Board of Directors and incoming Chairman, Denison Development Foundation Board Member, Denison Development Alliance Board Director & Past Chairman, Denison 20/20 Committee Chairman, Denison Revitalization Committee Chairman, Denison Boys Club Board of Directors & Past Chairman, Denison ISD Bond Election Committee Co-Chair, Denison Planning and Zoning Commission, Community Development Block Grant Committee, and a Meals on Wheels Volunteer. Mr. Brady is currently serving as a mentor for two Denison High School students for the Industrial Maintenance Technology program at Grayson College and the Advanced Manufacturing Class at Denison ISD/Grayson College.

Robert and his wife, Carolyn, have been married for 33 years. Robert considers his most important current role, however, to be “Papa” to his grandchildren.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.

SHERMAN, September 22, 2016 – Susan B. Thomas, PhD, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) announced the Cooke, Fannin, Grayson and Texoma Region “Better Leader Award” recipients, all of whom were recognized and presented with awards last week during TCOG’s 2016 Annual Event.

“The purpose of our Annual Event is to take one night a year to very purposefully and intentionally celebrate our collective accomplishments,” Dr. Thomas stated. “However, the work of these individuals deserves special recognition as they have each demonstrated a sincere desire to be better leaders and improve quality of life in our communities.”

Dr. Thomas further explained these awards were previously known as the “Citizen of the Year” awards but felt the name change was appropriate and is more aligned with TCOG’s vision of Better Leaders Building Better Lives. The recipients of the awards are as follows: Ms. Patty Haayen, Cooke County; Judge Lauri Blake, Fannin County; Mr. Bob Rhoden, Grayson County; and Mr. Britton Brooks, Texoma Region. Each recipient was selected by a panel of TCOG Governing Board members from their respective counties.

Patty Haayen, Cooke County Better Leader 2016

For 24 years, Patty served as President of Morton Museum and ran the charity auction every year. She has served for 20 years on the Gainesville Parks board where she is currently the chair. For the last 10 years, Patty has served on the Gainesville Housing Authority Board. Mrs. Haayen has coached the Lindsay High School extemporaneous and persuasive speaking teams for over 20 years and is the only coach to win 1st, 2nd and 3rd in a single event at State since 1986. She has also helped with fundraising for the Gainesville Community Playground, Gainesville Boys and Girls Club, Treasurer for Friends of the Library.

Judge Laurine J. "Lauri" Blake, Fannin County Better Leader 2016

Judge Blake received her law degree from the Southern Methodist University School of Law. Prior to attending law school, Judge Blake was a Dallas Police officer, graduating at the top of her police academy class. She participates in the training of Court Appointed Special Advocates (“CASA”) which serve the 336th District Court by advocating on behalf of children in CPS care.

Judge Blake is a member of the Bonham Kiwanis Club where she presently serves as President. She is also a member of the Bonham Rotary Club. Judge Blake serves as Chairman of the EcoTourism Committee of BEST – FEST, and is a member of the Bois D’arc Chapter of Texas Master Naturalist. Judge Blake is a hobby beekeeper and a member of the Texas Bluebird Society.

Previous service and participation include:
Founding Board Member and Secretary of the Grayson County Children’s Advocacy Center, Planning and Zoning Commissioner for City of Allen, Texas, President of Grayson County Young Lawyers Association, President of Collin County Young Lawyers Association, Texas State Bar Grievance Committee member, American Red Cross (Cooke, Fannin Grayson) Board Member, Keep Sherman Beautiful board member, Friends of the Sherman Library Board Member, Board Member for MADD Metroplex Chapter (Dallas/Ft. Worth), Friend of Sam Rayburn Board Member, Fannin County Sports Hall of Fame Board Member, Collin County Hobby Beekeepers Association Member, Upward Basketball Coach and Little Dribblers Coach, and Sunday School teacher.

Judge Blake has been married to Randall A. Blake for 19 years and they are the proud parents of two children; Randy 17 and Suzi 15.

Bob Rhoden, Grayson County Better Leader 2016

In addition to his regular job, Mr. Rhoden is an accomplished grant writer, a small business owner and community volunteer extraordinaire. He has served on the Denison Chamber Board, the North Texas Youth Connection Board, the Denison Young Professionals, the Denison Education Foundation, the Denison Boys and Girls Club Board, the Grayson Literacy Team, the Center for Workplace Learning Advisory Board and currently is a Denison School Board member.

Bob and his wife, Loretta, live in Denison. Together they have two sons, Koby a senior at Denison High School and Kyle, a 7th grader at Scott Middle School.

Britton Brooks, Texoma Regional Better Leader 2016

Britton Brooks, Texoma Region recipient has and continues to have a positive impact on our community. One of his greatest passions is for the youth and the underprivileged as he dedicates selfless hours every week to this cause from a classroom setting to a one on one game on the court. He believes spending time, working with, interacting and encouraging this age group of today – will make for a better tomorrow as they move forward in life choices. He is currently giving a series of educational seminars on the proper ways for youth to interact with law enforcement.

Brooks serves on the board of trustees for the Sherman Independent School District, Wilson N. Jones Regional Medical Center, the Sherman Chamber of Commerce, the Grayson County Crisis Center, the Sherman Education Foundation, the Sherman Kiwanis Club, Women Rock, and the Austin College Alumni Association. He is also a proud graduate of Leadership Sherman Class of 2015, Leadership Denison Class of 2016, and a member of the North Texas Young Professionals and the Grayson County Law Enforcement Association. Brooks was also nominated as the 2015 Sherman Community Leader of the Year and chosen as the Herald Democrat’s Best of Texoma Community Volunteer in 2016.

Janice Thorne, TCOG Employee of the Year 2016

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.