ETCOG Awards 2023 Employee of the Year

October 3, 2023

GOBUS

We are excited to announce that the Employee of the Year award goes to Katey Pilgram, who has served with ETCOG for fifteen years in the Transportation division.

 

Katey began her journey at ETCOG in 2008 through a temp agency, getting her start as a Dispatcher. In time, she moved up to Call Center and Technology Supervisor, then manager, and she was last promoted in 2018 to Transit Operations Manager.

 

“Katey is an exceptional professional who takes pride in her work. She always follows through on her assigned tasks and looks for ways to help her colleagues succeed," said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. "She has proven to be a reliable, kind, and encouraging member of the ETCOG Team! We are very fortunate and blessed to have her!”

 

When nominations take place, ETCOG has characteristics to consider.

  • Display a positive attitude, an open mind, and a willingness to make changes
  • Communicate and serve customers/sub-contractors/coworkers effectively and efficiently
  • Perform to the best of his/her ability, giving 110%
  • Recognize and act when a fellow employee needs assistance

 

In our employee of the year nomination ballot, a coworker said, "Katey's embodiment of a positive attitude, open-mindedness, and willingness to make changes has had a profound impact on our organization. She consistently approaches her work with enthusiasm and optimism, inspiring her colleagues to embrace new ideas and adapt to evolving situations. Katey's ability to embrace change and encourage others to do the same has greatly contributed to our success in a rapidly evolving industry."


"I am truly humbled and honored to have been chosen as the ETCOG Employee of the Year. The past 15 years have been an incredible journey filled with growth, learning, and invaluable opportunities. I am grateful for the trust and support of my colleagues and the organization," said Katey.

You might also like

Inside a bus, person seated near a ticket validation machine, view from the aisle.

Connecting East Texas 2026: A Regional Coordinated Transportation Plan

By GoBus • January 21, 2026
Improving mobility is an ongoing objective for persons living, working, or visiting the East Texas region. As the lead agency for our region, the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is working with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and a consultant team to prepare an update of the Regional Public Transportation Coordination Plan for Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. The 2026 Plan seeks to identify practical strategies for improving the day-to-day mobility of all residents of the region, but especially older adults, persons with disabilities, low-income individuals, zero-car households, area youth, persons with limited English proficiency, veterans, clients of workforce agencies, and employment/job seekers. It will include a variety of public participation opportunities including a bilingual (Spanish/English) project webpage, community survey, and focus groups with members of the target populations listed above. We will also conduct surveys of stakeholders and transportation providers to gain additional insight into the transportation needs and resources available to the region. While public transportation plays a significant role in regional mobility, it is far from the only transportation provider. As such, we will be reaching out to many organizations that provide transportation services or support for transportation to gain a comprehensive understanding of the mobility resources available within East Texas communities. All residents are encouraged to take the community survey by clicking here . If you are interested in participating in a focus group, you’ll have the opportunity to let us know at the end of the survey. If you are an organization that serves any of the target populations listed above, have not received a stakeholder survey, and would like to complete a stakeholder survey and/or receive materials to distribute to those you serve, click here to send us your request . Make sure you include your email address so we can respond. 
Red trolley in front of a hotel entrance; a woman exits the building.

Free Holiday Transit Service Returns to Palestine

By GoBus • November 6, 2025
ETCOG is pleased to announce the return of Palestine’s Seasonal Transit Service, operated by GoBus and partially funded by Visit Palestine. This free evening and weekend shuttle will run from November 14 through December 28, helping residents and visitors enjoy holiday festivities across the city, including trips to the Texas State Railroad. Whether you're heading to a local event, staying at one of the area’s hotels, or exploring downtown, GoBus makes it easy to get around. The flex route service includes scheduled stops at all major hotels and downtown destinations, and can also stop at other locations along the route upon request. Each shuttle is handicap accessible and operated by highly trained ETCOG drivers, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride for all passengers. This seasonal service is designed to support community engagement and tourism during the holidays, making it easier for everyone to participate in Palestine’s festive offerings. To learn more about the route or view the schedule, visit www.gobustransit.com/palestine-seasonal-service.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for a building with a blue ribbon, gold scissors, and green lawn.

Join Us for a Grand Opening Ceremony for our New GoBus Maintenance Facility!

By GoBus • October 2, 2025
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is proud to announce the grand opening of its new GoBus Maintenance Facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 13, at 2:00 PM. The celebration will take place at the new facility, located directly behind ETCOG’s headquarters at 3800 Stone Road in Kilgore, and the public is invited to attend. This new $3.3 million facility, funded by the Federal Transit Administration and the Texas Department of Transportation, represents a major step forward for the GoBus program. With two work bays, a dedicated wash bay, training rooms, and expanded fleet parking, the facility will serve as the home base for both GoBus administrative and maintenance teams. “This facility allows us to take a more proactive approach to vehicle maintenance and safety,” said Vince Huerta, ETCOG Transportation Director. “Having the ability to complete repairs in-house means we can get vehicles back on the road faster and continue delivering safe, reliable transportation services.” The GoBus program provides public transit service across ETCOG’s 14-county region. By investing in in-house maintenance, ETCOG will be able to improve efficiency, conduct more thorough inspections, and reduce repair turnaround times—all while keeping service reliable for East Texas riders. Community members, partners, and stakeholders are encouraged to join ETCOG staff for the ribbon-cutting and facility tour. The event not only celebrates the opening of a new building but also marks an investment in the future of regional transit and the people who rely on it every day.

Book a Service Today