In May, a new class of city elected officials and city staff completed the Georgia Municipal Association’s Fall 2024 Municipal Leader Community and Workplace Culture Certificate Program, marking another milestone in GMA’s EMBRACE initiative and commitment to strengthening local government leadership across the state.
The heart of the program was simple: to help people recognize the value of building communities where others genuinely want to live, work, and play. As Freddie D. Broome, Director of Community and Workplace Culture, said, “True freedom begins with awareness. Only when we see clearly can we choose wisely.” That idea—seeing clearly and making intentional choices—was woven into every session.
The cohort, composed of 28municipal leaders from large and small cities, county governments and organizations, gathered over eight months to re-introduce the knowledge and tools necessary to build sustainable, equitable economic prosperity in their cities. Throughout the course, participants engaged in detailed modules focusing on a range of critical topics, from collective leadership, emotional intelligence, public safety and community well-being to stakeholder engagement and more. Through each of the modules, panel discussions, one-on-one mentorship and peer collaboration participants explored how to build stronger cities and enhance the quality of life for Georgia’s residents.
A highlight of the program was the presentation of each participant’s capstone project – a requirement that challenged them to tackle real-world issues in their communities or organizations using the skills gained throughout the course. Projects ranged from youth civic engagement initiatives to workforce development initiatives, showcasing the wide-ranging creativity and commitment of Georgia’s municipal leaders.
Fall 2024 Cohort Graduates and Capstone Projects:
|
Name |
Organization |
Capstone Topic |
|
Aisha DeBerry |
Gwinnett County Government |
Developing a Language Justice/Access Program |
|
Amanda McManus |
Georgia Municipal Association |
Creating Welcoming Environment Program with Limit Resources |
|
Councilmember Andrea Pierce |
City of Ashburn |
Creating a JROTC Youth Council Program |
|
Angela Calhoun |
City of Albany |
Modernizing 311 “See Something, Say Something” Program |
|
*Ashley Bailey |
Georgia Municipal Association |
Implementing a Work Culture Program for Long-Term Success |
|
Blake Gable |
Athens-Clarke County Unified Government |
Enhancing Public Safety Recruitment Efforts |
|
Christa Gilbert |
City of College Park |
Developing a Leadership Training Program |
|
Chief Cedric Duncan |
City of Centerville |
Developing a Leadership Training Program |
|
Councilmember Chris Moore |
City of Greensboro |
Enhancing the Onboarding Process |
|
Donika Gray |
Athens-Clarke County Unified Government |
Youth Lives Matter Program |
|
Councilmember Eric Joyce |
City of Madison |
Create a Community Advisory Council |
|
Dr. Freya Huffman |
Chatham County Government |
Building a Framework for Employee and Community Resource Groups |
|
*Deputy Fire Chief Geoffrey May |
City of Forest Park |
Improving the Cities’ Communication Plan (Fire Department) |
|
Mayor Jeffrey Lundy |
City of Fort Valley |
Introduction to the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) Mapping and Strategic Planning (Peach and Crawford Counties) |
|
Kiara Fannin |
City of Peachtree City |
Creating a Peach Path to Wellness Employee Program |
|
Councilwoman Laronda Eason |
City of Fort Valley |
Creating a Youth Council Program |
|
Councilmember Leon Childs |
City of LaGrange |
Promoting a Safe, and Livable Community Program |
|
Mayor Mary Parham-Copelan |
City of Milledgeville |
Community Work-based Program for College Bound Youth |
|
*Michelle Harden |
Georgia Municipal Association |
Implementing a Work Culture Program for Long-Term Success |
|
Niesha Williams |
City of Hinesville |
Enhancing the City’s Health Fair |
|
Nigel Wattley |
City of Forest Park |
Improving the Cities’ Communication Plan (Public Works) |
|
Raisa Sequeira |
City of Decatur |
Creating an Inclusive Language Guide |
|
Tamika Scott |
|
Creating a State-Level High School Student Advocate Committee for PTA |
|
Tara Graves |
City of Stonecrest |
Elevating Arabia Mountain: Bridging the Academic-Athletic Divide |
|
*Tarik Maxwell |
City of Forest Park |
Improving the Cities’ Communication Plan (Parks and Rec) |
|
Vanessa Thomas |
City of McDonough |
Creating a City-wide Homeless Program |
|
Whitney Sims |
City of Augusta |
Enhancing Organizational Culture through a Revitalized Internship Program |
|
Yolanda McGee |
City of Clarkston |
Implement and Sustaining the C.A.R.E.S. Grant Program |
*denotes group project
Congratulations to all the graduates who now join a network of program alumni, who will return to their cities and organizations with new ideas, a strong professional network and renewed energy to make lasting impacts.
Registration for the next cohort for the 2025-2026 Municipal Leader Community and Workplace Culture Certificate Program is now open. For more information about this program, visit the program's web page or contact Freddie D. Broome at fbroome@gacities.com or 470-249-6423.