When city officials across Georgia have questions, need guidance, or are searching for resources, they often turn to the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). What’s less visible, however, is the coordination, relationship-building and behind-the-scenes work that ensures every city receives the support it needs—work powered by GMA’s Member Services team. At the center of those efforts is a team focused on strengthening relationships with member cities, connecting leaders to resources, and ensuring local officials have access to the tools and support needed to navigate the ever-changing landscape of municipal government.
“We strive to be a trusted partner that cities can rely on whenever questions or challenges arise,” said Artiffany Stanley, member services consultant for GMA’s districts 6 and 9.“We’re here for anything—from day-to-day issues to more complex situations—and we work to anticipate needs by offering training, resources and guidance that help elected officials and staff succeed in their roles.
A Connection Point for Cities Across the State
Each member of the Member Services team works closely with cities throughout GMA’s designated districts, allowing them to build strong relationships and better understand the unique needs of the cities they serve. City officials frequently reach out with questions about training opportunities, leadership development programs, networking opportunities and resources for municipal support. While Member Services may not always provide every answer directly, the team helps ensure city leaders connect with the right resources and experts.
“There are often times where I can have a team member in another district that may have previous experience with an issue that can help solve a challenge for a city within my districts,” said Dr. Niles Ford, who serves districts 4 and 8. “Our team is eclectic as a whole, and we bring so many different areas of expertise to our members.” Many members of the team have served in city leadership and elected official roles, bringing experience as city managers, city clerks, fire chiefs, public works directors, economic development directors, and main street directors and more.
“Helping cities establish best practices across the breadth of operations and processes makes them an example to other cities to follow and ultimately fosters a greater quality of life for everyone,” said Michael McPherson, member services consultant for district 3.“Knowing my work makes a difference for my cities is a source of pride. But meeting the incredible people who sacrifice their time serving others is equally rewarding.”
“I hope members feel supported, informed and connected through their relationship with GMA and the Member Services team,” said Sherri Bailey, member services consultant for districts 5 & 7. “My goal is for city officials to know they are not facing challenges alone and that GMA is a reliable partner invested in their success.”
What Happens Behind the Scenes
Many members see Member Services staff at conferences, training sessions and district meetings, but much of the work happens beyond those events. The team regularly coordinates outreach to cities, supports leadership development initiatives, collaborates across GMA’s departments and connects city officials to programs and services that strengthen local government. Member Services also serves as an important connector when cities have questions related to advocacy or legislation. While GMA’s Governmental Relations team leads legislative strategy and policy efforts, Member Services helps ensure members connect with the right resources and policy experts.
A lot of cities don’t realize that members of our team have had careers in local government,” said Pete Pyrzenski, member services consultant for districts 1 and 2.“The word ‘consultant’ can have many connotations, but for us, we’re the kind of consultants that are alongside cities as they work through challenges, helping resolve issues and pointing them in the right direction.”
The recent legislative session served as a reminder that supporting Georgia’s cities requires collaboration across teams, departments, and cities as local leaders navigate increasingly complex issues together. “Georgia is indeed a group project,” said Rashida Cloud, member services consultant and managing director of the DeKalb Municipal Association (DMA).“It takes everyone’s expertise to ensure the success of our state.”
Relationships that Strengthen Communities
Strong relationships remain at the center of Member Services’ work. Whether serving large metropolitan cities or smaller rural communities, team members spend time learning the priorities, challenges, and opportunities unique to the areas they serve. “I enjoy networking with elected officials and city staff and have developed so many lifelong friendships within my district’s members and officials,” said Pam Helton, senior member services consultant for GMA’s district 12. “Nothing gives me greater pleasure than helping cities and finding solutions to whatever they may be facing.”
Making the Most of Your Membership
At its core, the Member Services team wants cities to see GMA as more than an organization they interact with during conferences, training or annual events. The team encourages city leaders to ask questions, build relationships early, and take advantage of the many resources available through membership with GMA.
“Our team is the superpower team; we each have experience in local government on various levels, and it’s even more powerful to come together and meet the needs of the cities we serve,” said Freddie Broome, director of member services. Whether helping a newly elected official navigate their first months in office, connecting a city with peer communities facing similar challenges, or serving as a sounding board during difficult situations, the Member Services team works every day to strengthen Georgia’s cities—one relationship at a time.
See below to locate your district's Member Services Consultant:
- Freddie Broome, Director of Member Services
- Pam Helton, Senior Member Services Consultant, District 12
- Pete Pyrzenski, Member Services Consultant, Districts 1 & 2
- Michael McPherson, Member Services Consultant, District 3
- Dr. Niles Ford, Member Services Consultant, Districts 4 & 8
- Sherri Bailey, Member Services Consultant, Districts 5&7
- Artiffany Stanley, Member Services Consultant, Districts 6 & 9
- Emily Davenport, Member Services Consultant, Districts 10 & 11
- Rashida Cloud, Member Services Consultant and Managing Director of the DeKalb Municipal Association (DMA)
- Randy Meacham, Member Services Consultant and Managing Director of the Gwinnett Municipal Association (GwMA)
