The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) honored regional citizens who exemplify excellence in performance, innovation, and contributions to the community at its 103rd semi-annual board of directors meeting last week at Bear Creek Smokehouse in Marshall.

Dr. Beverly Waddleton Johnson of Quitman was one of the two recipients of the Regional Citizen of the Year award.

The award is designed to honor a citizen of East Texas who has contributed to the well-being of the East Texas region. City of Kilgore Mayor, Ronnie Spradlin, III and Dr. Johnson of Quitman were honored.

Johnson has dedicated over 40 years of service to her community, making significant contributions to the field of medicine and community involvement in East Texas.

She was the first Black female physician in Wood County, where she served as clinic medical director and cardiac rehab medical director at UT Health East Texas. Her unwavering commitment to education and medical care is reflected in her various board memberships, including the Tyler Junior College Wesley House and the Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry for the Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Her contributions to the medical field have been recognized through numerous accolades, including being chosen as one of the 50 Heroes for Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2020.

Dr. Johnson is a member of several community organizations, including the Wood County Economic Development Health Committee, Quitman Chamber of Commerce, Quitman First United Methodist Church and the Quitman Rotary Club.

After more than 40 years of selfless service to her community, she now enjoys a well-deserved retirement.