East Texas Council of Governments Assistant Director Katey Pilgram presents the Regional Shining Star Award to Nancey Hoehn on Thursday during the council’s meeting in Jefferson. (Contributed photo)

The East Texas Council of Governments recognized six East Texans and an area company for their service to the region recently during its semi-annual board of directors meeting.

The Genesis Group, a Tyler-based company, was named the council’s Regional Corporate Citizen of the Year. Longview police Sgt. Konrad Roberts, Gregg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano, Longview criminal justice advocate Paula Jimenez and others were presented with various awards during the meeting at the Jeffersonian Institute.

First Responder Award

Roberts received the Regional First Responder Award, which recognizes his commitment to the safety of the community and other officers, officials said in a news release. Roberts is a father, and at the police department, he is a mentor to younger officers.

He is a full-time student pursuing a degree in cybersecurity as well.

“Konrad Roberts deserves this award for not only the commitment he gives to the Longview community through serving and protecting, but for the countless hours he spends trying to improve himself so that he can be the best possible version of himself for the people of Longview,” officials said in the news release.

Citizens of the Year

The council named two East Texans as its Regional Citizen of the Year Award recipients.

Jimenez, who worked as a private investigator, donated her services to the Innocence Project, a leading criminal justice reform institution that aims to free people from prison who’ve been wrongly convicted. Jimenez has helped free 14 incarcerated people and helped reunite 134 children with their families, according to the council.

Jimenez was one of seven children raised by a single mother. She became a first-generation college graduate and obtained a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology.

“Paula Jimenez is passionate about supporting communities and vital resources,” officials said in the news release. “Beyond her professional endeavors, she supports victims of human trafficking and leads fundraising initiatives for numerous nonprofits, showcasing her leadership and dedication to serving others.”

And Jefferson resident Dina Carroll is one of three volunteers with the nonprofit Friends of Jefferson Animals rescue organization, which aims to find homes for abandoned and abused animals.

More than 50 community members nominated Carroll for the award, citing her tireless efforts for animal welfare, according to the council.

“Through her leadership efforts, she raises awareness of the importance of spaying and neutering pets, advocates for responsible pet ownership, and educates the community on animal protection issues,” council officials said in the news release.

Corporate Citizen of the Year

The Genesis Group, a Tyler-based software company specializing in public safety, was named the council’s Regional Corporate Citizen of the Year.

The company developed an automated bail bond application software program called eBONDS that is available for free to county governments. The program has modernized jail operations and reduced people’s detention periods, according to the council.

The company has been in business for 35 years and has created software helping public entities with emergency preparedness, according to the council. The company also supports nonprofit organizations that support children’s welfare, education and food accessibility.

Statesmanship Award

The Regional Statesmanship Award went to Gladewater Councilwoman Brandy Flanagan. The award recognizes her “dedicated service to regional cooperation,” according to the council.

Flanagan has served on the Gladewater council for six years and is running for mayor. In nominating her for the award, a fellow council member said Flanagan has played a key role in helping the city restore its financial reserves.

Flanagan is a business advisor for several East Texas counties as part of the University of Texas at Tyler’s Small Business Development Center.

“Her leadership has facilitated increased engagement from local businesses, fostering economic growth and access to resources in neighboring communities,” council officials said in the news release.

Committee Service Award

Cerliano, who has served as Gregg County sheriff since 2001, received the council’s Regional Committee Service Award. He has been a member of the council’s Criminal Justice Advisory Committee for more than 20 years.

Cerliano has used his experience to help with grant recommendations and other services, according to the council. He also has helped direct policies and programs to improve public safety and fairness in the criminal justice system throughout the region, according the council. Officials said he demonstrates integrity, justice and professionalism.

“Sheriff Maxey’s commitment to public service and servant’s heart can be clearly seen in how he cares for the daily welfare of the law-abiding citizens of Gregg County and East Texas,” said David Cleveland, the council’s executive director.

Cerliano said Tuesday that he was surprised to receive the award.

“I was honored to be nominated, and I’m even more humbled to be chosen,” he said.

Shining Star Award

The council presented its first Regional Shining Star Award to Nancy Hoehn, the public transportation coordinator with the Texas Department of Transportation. Hoehn previously worked with the Ark-Tex Council of Governments as its transportation director.

Katey Pilgram, the council’s assistant transportation director, said of Hoehn: “Regardless of her role and duties, there is one thing that has not changed: her passion to educate and inspire transit agencies and other local organizations to work together for the greater good of the residents we serve. She has been a constant resource for ETCOG and always encourages partnerships between agencies.”

The council of governments is a coalition of government entities from across 14 East Texas counties. It aims to help local governments plan for development, and it also coordinates regional transportation and emergency services. To learn more, visit etcog.org/.