The Governmental Relations (GR) team serves as the vital link between GMA and state and local policymakers, advocating for and advancing the interests of Georgia’s cities and communities. Through collaboration, communication, and strategic engagement, the team ensures that the voices of local leaders are heard at every level of government. Whether it’s monitoring legislation, providing policy analysis, or supporting member cities through advocacy and education, the GR team is dedicated to strengthening the relationship between local governments and the state. Together, they bring a wealth of experience in public service, law, communications, and policy—all united by a shared commitment to making Georgia’s cities stronger, more resilient, and better represented.
Meet the Team
Jim Thornton, Deputy Executive Director
Areas of Expertise: Municipal Government
# of Legislative Sessions: 4
Jim joined GMA as the director of governmental relations in 2022 and was recently elevated to deputy executive director, but he has been a member of GMA for many years. Before joining the GMA staff, Jim was the mayor of LaGrange, having also been a council member. He served as GMA president from 2021 until 2022 and served many years on the GMA board of directors. As a longtime GMA board member, Jim chaired the Member Services Advisory Council, Federal Policy Council and Legislative Policy Council. Jim is an attorney, having been in private practice for more than 25 years. He earned his undergraduate degree from LaGrange College and his law degree from Emory University. Jim’s combination of municipal and legal knowledge makes him ideal to represent the interests of Georgia’s cities.
Noah Roenitz, Manager of State Relations
Area of Expertise: Community Development, Transportation
# of Legislative Sessions: 6
Noah joined GMA as a legislative outreach associate in November 2021, moved into a lobbyist role during the summer of 2022, and was recently named manager of state relations. Before joining GMA, Noah worked for the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission as an economic resilience coordinator, helping local governments with COVID-19 recovery planning. Prior to that, Noah served as a senior political fellow at Common Cause in Washington, D.C., a project coordinator with the Georgia Foreign Trade Zone; and as a legislative aide to GeorgiaLink Public Affairs Group, a contract lobbying firm. Noah earned his bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University.
DJ Waller, Senior Governmental Relations Associate
Areas of Expertise: Public Safety, Municipal Government
# of Legislative Sessions: 3
DJ joined GMA in September 2023 and is in his third legislative session as an advocate for Georgia’s cities. He was recently designated as a senior governmental relations associate. Before joining GMA, DJ served as the community development manager for the city of Covington for three years, where he was responsible for community partnerships, events, film permitting, downtown development, tourism and placemaking. DJ earned an undergraduate degree in political science as well as a master’s degree in public administration from Georgia Southern University.
Leona Rittenhouse, Governmental Relations Associate
Area of Expertise: Revenue and Finance
# of Legislative Sessions: 10
Leona joined GMA in December 2022. She previously served in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget (OPB), where she worked as a fiscal policy analyst for over four years. While at OPB she focused on the Department of Public Health, State Board of Workers Comp, and Department of Community Health Attached Agencies. Prior to her time at OPB, she did governmental relations work for the Georgia Cable Association and held internships at Troutman Sanders and Massey, Watson, Bowers and Hembree, now known as Impact Public Affairs. Leona earned a bachelor’s degree in international affairs from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in public policy from the Georgia State University.
Katrina Cochran, Governmental Outreach Specialist
Areas of Expertise: Environment and Natural Resources
# of Legislative Sessions: 2
Katrina joined GMA in November 2024 and will serve in her second legislative session. Prior to joining GMA, she previously served as an outreach representative for the office of U.S. Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock, a role she held for over two years and through which she served as one of the senator’s representatives for the entire Northeast Georgia region. In this role, Katrina represented Sen. Warnock in meetings with city and county officials, nonprofits, businesses and economic development entities. During her time as an outreach representative, she led over 100 Congressionally Directed Spending projects, securing crucial federal investments for Northeast Georgia. Katrina is a graduate of the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs and with a minor in Chinese Language and Culture.
Molly McLoughlin, Manager of Federal Relations
# of Legislative Sessions: 4
Molly joined GMA in September 2025 as the Manager of Federal Relations. In this role, Molly serves as GMA’s primary liaison with federal officials, agencies, and national partners and is responsible for monitoring federal legislative and regulatory developments, educating and supporting city officials on policy priorities, and leading the staff work of the Federal Policy Council. Prior to joining GMA, Molly worked with Ohio River South advancing state and local policy strategies across the southeast, leading high-visibility communications, and managing national advocacy campaigns. Molly holds a Strategic Communication degree from Butler University and is an executive member of Georgia Appleseed’s Young Professionals Council. She’s been recognized as a James Magazine “Top Lobbyist–Rising Star” in 2023 and 2024.
Rusi Patel, General Counsel
# of Legislative Sessions: 16
While Rusi leads GMA’s legal department, he regularly supports GMA’s governmental relations team, testifies under the Gold Dome, and works with legislators and state agencies on issues concerning Georgia’s cities. He has been GMA’s general counsel since 2019, when he was promoted from the previous position of senior associate general counsel. Prior to his time at GMA, Rusi served as assistant city attorney and city solicitor for Brunswick, Ga. Through his work at the Georgia legislature, he has worked extensively with legislators, state agencies and nonprofit groups in Georgia. A “Double Dawg,” Rusi received his undergraduate degree and law degrees from the University of Georgia.
Ryan Bowersox, Associate General Counsel
# of Legislative Sessions: 10
Ryan joined GMA in late 2020 as a governmental relations associate. The following year, he moved to the legal team as assistant general counsel, but he continues to support the Governmental Relations team and is actively involved in GMA’s advocacy work. Ryan was recently elevated to associate general counsel. Before joining GMA, Ryan worked in the Georgia State Senate Research Office, where he was a senior policy analyst, staffing the Senate Finance and Banking and Financial committees. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and his law degree from Wake Forest University.
Callie Hood, Research Associate
# of Legislative Sessions: 2
Callie joined GMA in January 2025 as a research associate, supporting the Governmental Relations team with data-driven reports and advocacy materials. Prior to joining GMA, Callie worked on several electoral campaigns across Georgia and at Western Resource Advocates, a regional environmental nonprofit. She earned a bachelor’s degree in international affairs from the University of Georgia and a Master of Science in Public Policy from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Jules Banks, Communications Associate
# of Legislative Sessions: 2
Jules joined GMA’s Communications department in March 2025, halfway through the 2025 legislative session. Before joining GMA, she worked as a senior associate at the international PR firm Golin. In that role, she focused on providing public relations insight, guidance and content for major global companies. Now, Jules works alongside GMA’s Governmental Relations team both in and out of session, amplifying their mission and telling their advocacy story through traditional and social media, photography, videography and more. Jules is a graduate of Roosevelt University Chicago, where she majored in both journalism and media, and international studies.