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.

SHERMAN, September 18, 2015 – Susan B. Thomas, PhD, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) announced today the Cooke, Fannin and Grayson County Citizens of the Year and the Texoma Regional Citizen of the Year, all of whom were recognized and presented with awards during TCOG’s 2015 Annual Event.

“Each year we take time to recognize a few Texoma citizens who have made significant contributions to their community or the region,” Dr. Thomas stated during the event, which focused on the announcement of a region-wide planning process to set a vision and develop a strategy to address the more significant quality of life indicators for children in Texoma. “Tonight it seems fitting that we are celebrating four Texoma citizens who in many different – but all wonderful – ways invest their time and talents in caring for, providing for, teaching and protecting our children.”

The recipients of the awards are as follows: Mr. Ray Nichols, Cooke County; Reverend Cecil Jones, Fannin County; Mr. Bob Sanford, Grayson County; and Mrs. Sandy Barber, Texoma Regional Citizen of the Year. Each recipient was selected by a panel consisting of TCOG Governing Board members from each respective county.

Ray Nichols

2015 Cooke County Citizen of the Year

Cecil Jones

2015 Fannin County Citizen of the Year

Bob Sanford

2015 Grayson County Citizen of the Year

Sandy Barber, 2015 Texoma Region of the Year

The Texoma Regional Citizen of the Year, Mrs. Sandy Barber, has been the executive director of Fannin County Children’s Center since 2001. Some of her major accomplishments include: a successful capital campaign to relocate the center to a larger facility, tripled the staff, created an on-site counseling program and expanded services to include Rainbow Rooms, Courage Group and child abuse prevention programs. She also launched the “No Excuse for Child Abuse” campaign which has now spread to other Children’s Advocacy Centers across north Texas. Because of her proven leadership, she has been invited to provide testimony at a Texas State Senate hearing regarding the child welfare system. Mrs. Barber brought Great Days of Service to Bonham and has served as the lead coordinator of the effort since it started in Bonham in 2011. Mrs. Barber is an active member of the Kids Matter: Beyond ABC Texoma effort. She married her college sweetheart, Bill, just over 25 years ago. They have 3 daughters: Jessica, Katie and Cassidy – who she describes as beautiful, intelligent and very talented.

Brenda Smith

2015 TCOG Employee of the Year

Steve H. Murdock, PhD, Former Director of the US Census Bureau

During the Annual Event, Kids Matter, Steve H. Murdock, PhD, former director of the US Census Bureau, provided a presentation entitled, Population Change – Implications for the Socioeconomic Future of the Sherman/Denison Region, which provided insight into what challenges the Texoma region may be facing and what we need to do to prepare and continue the level of success the region has seen over the last few years. Dr. Murdock is the Allyn R. and Gladys M. Cline Professor of Sociology at Rice University. He previously served as Director of the U.S. Bureau of the Census having been nominated for the position by President Bush and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2007 and serving until the change in administration in January of 2009. Prior to his appointment at Rice, he was the Distinguished Chair in Demography and Organization Studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and the Director of the Institute for Demographic and Socioeconomic Research. Before that, Murdock was a Regents Professor and Head of the Department of Rural Sociology at Texas A&M University. He was also the official State Demographer of Texas. Appointed by Governor Rick Perry, he was the first person to occupy this position. Dr. Murdock earned his Ph.D. in demography and sociology from the University of Kentucky and is the author or editor of 15 books and more than 150 articles and technical reports on the implications of current and future demographic and socioeconomic change. He is the recipient of numerous honors and awards including the Faculty Distinguished Achievement Award in Research from Texas A&M University, the Excellence in Research Award and the Outstanding Rural Sociologist Award from the Rural Sociological Society, The Distinguished Alumni Award from North Dakota State University and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Department of Sociology at the University of Kentucky He is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and Phi Eta Epsilon national honor societies.

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 19, 2014 – Susan B. Thomas, PhD, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), announced today the Cooke, Fannin and Grayson County Citizens of the Year and the Texoma Regional Citizen of the Year, all of whom were recognized and presented with awards during TCOG’s 2014 Annual Event.

“Since 1986, we have recognized individuals who have made outstanding contributions to and truly made a difference in the region,” stated Dr. Thomas. “Regional success is defined through individuals like these who go the extra mile and make a lasting impact on the world around them.”

The recipients of the awards are as follows: Judge John Roane, Cooke County; Ms. Emily Porter, Fannin County; Ms. Brenda Hayward, Grayson County; and Mr. Jerry Chapman, Texoma Regional Citizen of the Year. Since 1986, TCOG has recognized individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the region. Each recipient was selected by a panel consisting of TCOG Governing Board members from each respective county.

John Roane

Cooke County Citizen of the Year 2014

Emily Porter

Fannin County Citizen of the Year 2014

Brenda Hayward

Grayson County Citizen of the Year 2014

Brenda Hayward

Grayson County Citizen of the Year 2014

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.

For Immediate Release

SHERMAN, September 27, 2013 – Susan B. Thomas, PhD, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), announced today the Cooke, Fannin and Grayson County Citizens of the Year and the Texoma Regional Citizen of the Year, all of whom were recognized and presented with awards during TCOG’s 2013 Annual Event.

“We are blessed as a region to have citizens who go the extra mile and make a lasting and positive impact on the world around them,” stated Dr. Thomas. “Regional success is not accomplished nor is progress achieved without the sweat, sacrifice, and leadership of individuals such as these.”

The recipients of the awards are as follows: James Hughes, Cooke County; Judge Creta L. “Spanky” Carter, II, Fannin County; Dr. Pamela Egner, Grayson County; and John Beck, Texoma Regional Citizen of the Year. Each recipient was selected for his or her dedication to making a positive impact in the community by a panel consisting of TCOG Governing Body members from each respective county.

Mr. James Hughes, Cooke County Citizen of the Year

Mr. James Hughes was born and raised in Sherman, TX and spent 8 years in the US Navy, traveling worldwide during service onboard the USS Midway. After an honorable discharge, he joined the Texas Youth Commission in Gainesville as a Juvenile Correctional Officer where he served for 28 years. After retirement from the commission in 2007, Mr. Hughes became a Teacher’s Aide in the Life Skills Program at Sanger High School where he is currently employed.

Mr. Hughes revived the Gainesville Juneteenth Celebration after several years of dormancy and is a key member of the Gainesville Martin Luther King Junior Celebration Committee, working with local businesses to help procure sponsorships for MLK events while personally providing sound systems and DJ services for the events. He founded Gainesville’s Community Action Support Team (CAST) five years ago to “help different community groups in Gainesville to work together for the betterment of the community.” Mr. Hughes is an avid supporter of Special Olympics and coaches and volunteers for Sanger ISD Special Olympics.

Judge Carter was the recipient of the Fannin County Citizen of the Year Award at TCOG’s 2013 Annual Event. Pictured in Photo are: Reverend Cecil Jones, Judge Spanky Carter, and Mayor Roy Floyd (from left to right)

Judge Spanky Carter is a graduate of Sherman High School. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Angelo State University followed by a law degree from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law and is licensed to practice law in both Texas and Oklahoma. Judge Carter is the owner of KFYN radio stations in Bonham and Paris.

In 2010, Judge Carter was elected as Fannin County Judge. He serves on numerous boards and committees including: Meals on Wheels of Texoma, Texoma Area Paratransit System (TAPS), Texoma Workforce Development, the Fannin County Health Coalition, the Resident/Family Self-Sufficiency Advisory Board, Fannin County Appraisal District Board, Fannin Community Foundation, the Drug Endangered Children Board, Creative Arts Center Board, the Fannin County Juvenile Board, the Long Range Planning Committee for Fannin County, the Criminal Justice Board, the Public Facility Corporation, and currently serves as President of the TCOG Governing Board.

Dr. Pamela Egner, Grayson County Citizen of the Year

Dr. Pamela Egner has worked with TCOG’s Area Agency on Aging Care Coordination Program since 2007. During this time, she has improved the quality of life for numerous clients by donating countless hours of her professional labor as well as the cost of dental appliances to help the senior citizens of Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson counties. During the last six years, she has served approximately 128 patients, and the estimated value of her in-kind contributions tops $400,000. Without her willingness to work with these clients, our region would not be able to meet the dental and associated health needs of so many seniors.

Mr. John Beck is a long time member of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce and a member of First Baptist Church of Gainesville. He is also a member of the Gainesville Rotary Club and is a Paul Harris Fellow. Since 2000, Mr. Beck has regularly purchased lots in depressed neighborhoods throughout the City of Gainesville and, in an effort to help revitalize those neighborhoods, has built affordable brick homes in their place. In 2006 he became involved with the Gainesville Area Revitalization Program at the request of the City of Gainesville to build affordable homes on lots deeded to him in depressed neighborhoods through the City to be sold at or below cost. He has volunteered for numerous community efforts including the GRAND Project and Day of Caring, and has assisted with building the new playground at Leonard Park with the help of other Cooke County citizens. Mr. Beck is a current member of the Allocations Committee for Cooke County United Way and is a committee member for the Ghosts, Goblins and Gears Motorcycle Rally which benefits Cooke County United Way. He donated one of his houses to the Court Appointed Special Advocates of North Texas to provide offices for staff and training space for volunteers who are advocates for abused and/or neglected children in the foster care system.

Mr. John Beck, Texoma Region Citizen of the Year

In August of 2011, Mr. Beck was the first recipient of the Star of North Texas; an award created to recognize outstanding efforts of citizens on behalf of the community and has served as general contractor for Abigail’s Arms Family Crisis Center since March 2009, and donates the majority of his fees back to the agency.

In addition to the recognition of these individuals, TCOG also released its 2013 annual report, Broadening Horizons: Meeting the Challenges of Tomorrow, which details the achievements of TCOG’s departments & programs during the 2012-2013 fiscal year. This report can be viewed or downloaded by visiting www.tcog.com/annualreport.

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.

For Immediate Release

SHERMAN, September 12, 2012 – Susan B. Thomas, PhD, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), announced today the Cooke, Fannin and Grayson County Citizens of the Year and the Texoma Regional Citizen of the Year, all of whom were recognized and presented with awards during TCOG’s 2012 Annual Event & Luncheon.

“We believe in recognizing the value and impact of individual citizens in our region,” stated Dr. Thomas. “These four people are shining examples of the true spirit of selflessness and deserve to be commended for their achievements in the tri-county region.”

The recipients of the awards are as follows: Don Pettigrew, Cooke County; Judge Joe Dale, Fannin County; Dr. Alan Scheibmeir, Grayson County; and Mike Connors, Texoma Regional Citizen of the Year. Each recipient was selected for his or her dedication to making a positive impact in the community by a panel consisting of TCOG Governing Body members from each respective county.

In photo from left: Mayor Jim Goldsworthy, Don Pettigrew, Judge John Roane.

Don Pettigrew served in Vietnam as a United States Marine Corps rifleman and earned a Purple Heart Medal, Navy Commendation Medal w/ V device, Combat Action Ribbon, several service & campaign medals, and unit citations. Mr. Pettigrew was responsible for the concept and initiative of the Medal of Honor Host City Program adopted by the City of Gainesville’s City Council in the spring of 2001, providing area residents the chance to meet and talk with America’s greatest heroes and focusing on a message of patriotism and success in life to reach youth in the community. This program has been successful due to widespread community support and an extensive volunteer base. The Medal of Honor Host City program has been recognized in the Congressional Record of each house of Congress and is noted by Governor Rick Perry and is the only program of its kind in the US. Mr. Pettigrew currently holds the position of liaison to the Recipients and has been awarded the Congressional Veteran Commendation by Congressman Michael Burgess.

In photo from left: Mayor Roy Floyd, Judge Joe Dale

Judge Joe Dale of Bonham, Texas was appointed as Justice of the Peace on May 17, 1993, elected in 1994 in Precinct One, and has been reelected every term since then and serves Bonham and surrounding areas. He has participated in numerous civic affairs in Fannin County and served as vice-chairman for the Bonham Public Housing Authority until 1998. Since 2003, Judge Dale has served as a board member at the Children’s Advocacy Center. Judge Dale is a long-time member of Bethlehem Baptist Church.

In photo from left: Mayor Mark Merrill, Dr. Alan Scheibmeir

Dr. Alan Scheibmeir, of Sherman, served as the President of Grayson College for 16 years until his retirement earlier this year. His teaching and training experiences extend beyond the classroom; he taught contract bridge to adult community education students and Bible study for an adult Sunday school class. His civic involvement includes experiences with the Denison Rotary Club, the Sherman ISD Strategic Planning Team, the United Way of Grayson County Board of Directors, and several other committees and organizations in Grayson County. He was named one of the Outstanding Young Men of America and also nominated as an Outstanding Alumni of Fort Hays Kansas State University. Dr. Scheibmeir and his wife, Barbara, have five sons and 23 grandchildren.

Mike Connors, founder of the Northeast Texas Bicycle Association and creator of the Christmas Bicycle Giveaway, resides in Bonham, Texas. Mr. Connors, affectionately known as “Mike the Bike Guy,” oversees collecting new and used bikes which are then refurbished and distributed to underprivileged children in Fannin County, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and his hometown in Nebraska. Through his efforts, more than 400 bicycles are given away each year. Mr. Connors has been recognized by the City of Bonham, named by the Texas News Network as Texan of the Week in 2009 and has also received two presidential recognitions from former President George W. Bush and former President Bill Clinton.

In addition to the recognition of these individuals, TCOG also released its 2012 annual report, The Roots of Regionalism, which details the achievements of TCOG’s departments & programs during the 2011-2012 fiscal year. This report can be viewed or downloaded by visiting www.tcog.com/annualreport.

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.