Nearly 2,200 city government leaders from across Georgia enhanced their knowledge of local governance through continuing education classes presented by Institute of Government faculty and other subject matter experts at the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) Annual Convention.

The convention, held June 21–25 at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center, featured 45 classes in the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute, a training partnership between GMA and the Institute of Government. At the convention, 14 Institute of Government faculty members led courses on topics ranging from downtown revitalization to encouraging citizen engagement.

Dublin Mayor Phil Best was installed as 2019–20 GMA president and Institute of Government Director Laura Meadows recognized four outgoing members of the Municipal Training Board, city councilmembers An’cel Davis of Riverdale, Judy Powell of Leesburg, Debbie Johnson of Port Wentworth and Carolyn Robbins of Warner Robins.

In addition, Lifetime Service Awards were presented to Phillip M. Goldstein, former Marietta City Council member; David L. Aldrich, who served city manager in five Georgia cities; and Dent Jackson Jr., former East Dublin City Council member.

City officials who attended the GMA Annual Convention had the opportunity to fulfill certification requirements through the Holtz Municipal Training Institute. Nearly 100 municipal leaders were recognized at GMA’s annual business meeting for their commitment to continuing education, including 10 who earned Certificates of Dedication for completing 276 hours of training.

2019 Certificate Recipients

Certificate of Dedication (276 hours)

James M. Burnette Jr., Suwanee
Anthony S. Ford, Stockbridge
Christopher Hightower, Barnesville
David Keener, Social Circle
Brenda Lewis, Waynesboro
Mickey McGraw, Trion
David Miller, Riceboro
Craig Newton, Norcross
Gregory L. Paige Sr., Adel
Denese Shinholster, Milledgeville

Certificate of Distinction (204 Hours)                     

An’cel Davis, Riverdale
Wanda D. Doyle, Tybee Island
Micheal Evans, Centerville
Maceo Mahoney, Washington
Royce Reeves Sr., Cordele
Neat Robinson, Stockbridge
Alphonso Thomas, Stockbridge
Susan D. Wilkinson, Smyrna

Certificate of Excellence (120 hours)

Rufus Davis, Camilla
Tyree Goodlett, Dalton
Teddy Harris, Rossville
John T. Howard II, Forsyth
Debbie Johnson, Port Wentworth
Gary Johnson, Dublin
Bennie Jones, Dublin
Vesta Shephard, Cordele
Sandra Thornton, West Point
George Wangemann, Gainesville
Carol D. Witcher, Walnut Grove

Certificate of Achievement (72 hours)

Diane Daniels Adoma, Stonecrest
Mike Barfield, Nicholson
Don Bethune, Garden City
Patrick Bordelon, Powder Springs
David Brock, Griffin
Eric Christ, Peachtree Corners
Marcia Daniel, Garden City
Michelle Duquette, Clayton
Bill Durrence, Savannah
James Eubanks, Pelham
Mike Gowen, Douglas
Harry Harvey, Summerville
Diana Roe Hollis, Stone Mountain
Tyson Jackson, Social Circle
Hardy Johnson, Braselton
Julian Miller, Savannah
Brett North, Acworth
Mickey O’Malley, Ball Ground
Liz Ordiales, Hiawassee
Mary Parham-Copelan, Milledgeville
Randy Quick, Rome
Allen Rassi Jr., St. Marys
Janie Reid, Eatonton
Becky Richardson, Braselton
Matt Robbins, Tucker
William C. Rosenfeld, Tucker
Carolyne Sanders, Lenox
Terry Scott, Thomasville
Rashida Taylor, Metter
Stanley Todd, Jesup
Walter Turner, Reynolds
Patsy Ann Watkins, Carnesville
Tad Williamson, Pelham

Certificate of Recognition (42 hours)

Tyrone Adkinson, Unadilla
Maryline Blackburn, Smyrna
Jimmy Bray, Oglethorpe
Demario Byrden, Cairo
Ken Clark, Hawkinsville
Reggie Copeland, Marietta
Eartha Cummings, Tennille
Jeffrey A. DeTar, Morrow
Peter Dillard, Moultrie
Ronald Feldner, Garden City
Jay Flowers, Thomasville
Booker Gainor, Cairo
Nathan Gaskin, LaGrange
Carla Shy Gowen, Fort Valley
Carmalitha Gumbs, South Fulton
Amy Harrelson, Metter
Ronald Hays, Camilla
Christina Hobbs, Union City
Eric Howard, Valdosta
John Howard, Monroe
Amelia Inman, Lithonia
Chris McCorkle, Warrenton
Derik McDowell, Bainbridge
James McLaughlin, McRae-Helena
Errol Mitchell, Hampton
Dennis Mock, Dalton
Mike Morris, McRae-Helena
Willis NeSmith Jr., Lyons
Venterra Pollard, Camilla
Artiffany  Stanley, Dublin
Truman Tinsley, Griffin
Tim Turner, Barnesville
Elaine B. Walk, Tennille
Jason Ray Weaver, Screven