New Leadership Announced for CEO-RTPO Board

East Texas Council of Governments • May 25, 2023

Congratulations to Judge Leward LaFleur - Chair, Judge AJ Mason - Vice Chair, & Judge Chad Sims - Executive Committee

ETCOG is pleased to announce new leadership for its Chief Elected Officials – Rural Transportation Planning Organization (CEO–RTPO) Board. At a recent meeting, the CEO–RTPO Board voted Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur as Chair, re-elected Camp County Judge AJ Mason as Vice Chair, and designated Judge Chad Sims to its Executive Committee. 

 

The  CEO–RTPO Board consists of the county judges from each of the 14 counties served by ETCOG, the Mayors of Longview and Tyler, and the three Texas Department of Transportation District Engineers that serve the ETCOG region. The Board serves a dual function of shared oversight of the region's workforce programs with the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board and working directly with TXDOT to ensure that transportation priorities are developed and solutions implemented for the region's rural communities. 

 

"With deep admiration and respect for my colleagues, I express my sincere appreciation for their confidence in calling me to serve as Chairman of the Chief Elected Officials –Rural Transportation Planning Organization Board. I have such esteem for these county judicial and city leaders, who sacrificially serve the needs and interests of our East Texas. Together, as servants of the public's trust, we will continue to confront the challenges and seize the opportunities for the future of the 14 counties and cities within our region. With rich natural resources, the beauty of our lands, coupled with the values and strong work ethic of our people, East Texas sits in a strategic position to grow economically while maintaining the quality of life we all enjoy. As a son of Gregg County, God called me back to my East Texas roots after my service to our country through the U.S. Navy. Upon returning home to the piney woods, I had a burden in my heart to invest my life in serving my fellow East Texans. As I do that, I ask for the prayers of my colleagues and the people of East Texas," said Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur.

 

Judge LaFleur joined the board in 2018 and has served on its Executive Committee since 2021.  

 

"I have worked with Judge LaFleur for many years and am looking forward to what he will bring to ETCOG," said Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt. "Our counties will only benefit from this next generation of leadership, direction, and integrity as he moves into this new position."

 

"I was honored to nominate Judge LaFleur to lead the CEO–RTPO Board," said Harrison County Judge Chad Sims. "Since he grew up in Gregg County and now lives and works in Marion County, he will be a thoughtful and supportive leader for all the counties represented by the Board. More than ever, we need leaders in East Texas that will work to benefit all areas. Growth together is much more important than a singular focus. Judge LaFleur will make a great chairman for our CEO–RTPO Board."

 

Judge AJ Mason joined the board in 2016 and has served as its Vice Chair and on the Executive Committee since 2018. The CEO-RTPO Board Executive Committee is comprised of Chair LaFleur, Vice Chair Mason, Rusk County Judge Joel Hale, Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis, and its newest added member, Judge Chad Sims, who joined the board in 2019.

 

"Continuing to work with the other members of the CEO-RTPO board presents a great opportunity to serve our region as a whole. Bringing that knowledge and information back to Camp County is beneficial to the citizens I represent. Under Judge LaFleur's chairmanship, our region will continue to face new challenges in a productive way that will benefit all East Texans," said Camp County Judge AJ Mason.

 

"I'm honored to get to serve alongside these other county judges. I hope to make a positive difference not only on the workforce and employment side but also with our TxDOT Engineers to help with transportation. I do want to thank the ETCOG staff who work so diligently, often behind the scenes, for all 14 counties represented," said Harrison County Judge Chad Sims.

 

Under the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act, the CEO Board is responsible for the leadership and board appointments to the local workforce development board. The CEOs partner with the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board to build a premier workforce in the region and are the primary source of local workforce policy.

 

ETCOG formed its RTPO in 2009 to provide a forum for local elected officials to establish rural transportation project priorities and planning and provide direct input to TxDOT concerning those priorities for areas not included in a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). Through the RTPO, all 14 of our counties and those cities that are not served by the Longview or Tyler MPOs can deliver a unified message to state and federal decision-makers concerning transportation needs and priorities. 

 

The Board meets during the April, August, and December months to address the joint business agenda of the CEO–RTPO Board in a blended meeting format. The Executive Committee meets on behalf of the full board when needs emerge between regularly scheduled meeting dates. The full membership of the CEO–RTPO Board can be viewed at www.etcog.org/about#GoverningBoards. 


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Success Story: Cyndi McKinney Explores a New Path, Becomes Career Navigator

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • July 30, 2025
For over 14 years, Cyndi McKinney built her career in staffing, recruitment, and human resources, earning respect as a strong leader and a results-driven professional. But in an instant, everything changed. She was unexpectedly let go—a moment that could have shattered her confidence and left her feeling lost. Instead of giving up, Cyndi chose to rise. She walked into Workforce Solutions East Texas determined to find a new path, and that’s where her journey of rediscovery began. Through the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program, Career Navigator Korey Harrison helped her see the value in her experience, refine her resume, and uncover transferable skills she hadn’t even realized she had. With his guidance, she embraced skill-building opportunities, automated her job search with help of the Virtual Recruiter system through the Work In Texas website , and was introduced to the WIOA program for training and career advancement. Through WIOA, Specialist Eileen Taylor showed Cyndi new possibilities—certifications, training programs, and job placement services. Cyndi stayed persistent, believing that the right door would open. One day, it did. Her Virtual Recruiter led her to a job posting for a WIOA Career Navigator role—right in the same office that had been walking beside her during her hardest days. She applied for the position and just a week later, received the call she had hoped for—she was offered the job. On June 30, 2025, Cyndi stepped into her new role with Workforce Solutions East Texas, carrying not only her years of HR expertise but also the resilience of someone who has faced uncertainty and emerged stronger. "The right help at the right moment doesn't just change your path — it rewrites your story,” Cyndi said as she reflected on her journey. Today, her journey has come full circle. She’s on a mission to empower others—to be the voice that reminds job seekers they are capable, the steady hand guiding those who feel lost, and living proof that no setback is final. With courage and determination, Cyndi isn’t just building a career—she’s helping others discover their own path to rise higher than they ever imagined.

Texas’ Civilian Labor Force Sets New Record as Annual Growth Rate Continues to Outpace the Nation

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • July 18, 2025
Texas’ civilian labor force achieved another new record high of 15,850,100 after adding 10,800 people over the month and marking 60 of 62 months of growth. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 237,800 people. Texas added 198,300 jobs over the year for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 1.4 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.3 percentage points. The state had 14,329,200 total nonfarm jobs after decreasing by 1,900 positions over the month of June. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.0 percent after decreasing by 0.1 percentage points over the month. “The increase in the civilian labor force and the drop in the unemployment rate highlight continued strength in the Texas economy,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “TWC provides a number of tools for both job seekers and employers as we continue to grow the Texas labor force.” The Private Education and Health Services industry had the largest over-the-month increase in June after adding 6,900 jobs. Leisure and Hospitality added 3,000 jobs over the month while Information added 1,000. In addition, the Construction industry grew by 2.4 percent over the year in Texas and outperformed the industry’s growth rate nationally by 0.9 percentage points. “As Texas thrives, TWC is dedicated to empowering working Texans to share in that success," said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. "Through our strong partnerships and resources like WorkInTexas.com, targeted job fairs, and essential skills training, we're helping Texans capitalize on opportunities and achieve their career goals.” The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.0 percent in June, followed by the Amarillo and San Angelo MSAs at 3.1 percent. “TWC supports a business-friendly environment, which attracts employers to Texas, creates new career paths, and contributes to a more prosperous workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. "Key sectors like Private Education and Health Services continue to add thousands of jobs and highlight the opportunities for Texas employers.” Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. * All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com . The Texas Labor Market Information Data for July is scheduled to be released on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

TWC Launches New Grant to Address Workforce Readiness Gaps

By Workforce Solution East Texas • June 24, 2025
 The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is now accepting applications for Skills for Success, a special initiative with Texas State Technical College (TSTC) designed to equip Texas workers with essential workforce readiness skills. “TWC is proud to partner with TSTC on Skills for Success, a program that directly aligns with our mission to connect Texans with rewarding careers,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “We are committed to ensuring our state’s employers have access to a skilled and adaptable workforce.” Through the Skills for Success grant, TWC covers all costs of specific TSTC training courses for eligible employers to create customized training packages. Employers of any size can select courses to meet their business and staffing needs. Courses train on skills such as communication, organization, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, digital literacy, conflict resolution, time management, and more. “Skills for Success isn’t just a training program; it’s a launchpad for Texan careers,” said Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “By equipping individuals with essential soft skills, we’re empowering them to earn better wages, secure fulfilling jobs, and build stronger futures for their families and communities.” Funded through the state’s Skills Development Fund, Skills for Success is available to private employers with full-time employees working anywhere in Texas. By developing and emphasizing the importance of these foundational skills, this program aims to improve employee performance, increase retention rates, and foster a more adaptable workforce to meet the evolving needs of Texas employers. “Small, medium, and large employers across the state have expressed the need for motivated employees who demonstrate technical and workforce readiness skills, like flexibility, leadership, and attention to detail,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “The Skills for Success program will bridge a skills gap and create a stronger workforce for Texas employers.” Texas businesses interested in participating in the Skills for Success grant are encouraged to visit www.twc.texas.gov/sfs for the application, course catalog, eligibility requirements, and contact information.
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