Four Georgia city leaders were inducted into the Georgia Municipal Government Hall of Fame during GMA's 2025 Annual Convention in Savannah. The Hall of Fame recognizes city officials who have made extraordinary contributions to the cities they serve and have demonstrated strong support for GMA. This year’s inductees are:
- Al Crace, former City Manager of Alma
- Denise Jordan, former City Clerk of Gainesville
- Fred Perriman, Mayor of Madison and GMA immediate past president
- Mara Shaw Warrington, former Associate Director of the Carl Vinson Institute of Government
"These individuals embody the best of municipal leadership in Georgia,” said Larry Hanson, CEO and Executive Director of GMA. “Their vision, dedication, and relentless focus on service have enriched not only their local communities but also the broader network of cities across our state. Itis a privilege to honor their legacies and welcome them into the Hall of Fame.”
Al Crace
Crace was recognized for his remarkable 50-year career in municipal leadership and his far-reaching impact on cities and counties across Georgia.
Crace’s service began in the 1970s as City Manager of Alma—a role he returned to from 2016 to 2024. Over five decades, he led seven cities and three counties, including Waycross, Rome, Gainesville, and the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, where he served as the inaugural manager. His leadership also extended to the founding of the City of Sandy Springs. These roles, among the most complex in the state, were marked by innovation, integrity, and steady guidance.
Crace’s legacy includes significant accomplishments such as securing national police accreditation, improving fire safety ratings, revitalizing downtown areas, expanding parks and greenways, and modernizing critical water and wastewater infrastructure. He advanced planning, budgeting, and community development in every locality he served.
Beyond city halls, Crace played a vital role in shaping municipal governance statewide. A recipient of GMA’s Lifetime Service Award, he served as Chair of GMA’s Municipal Government Policy Committee, contributed to multiple GMA study groups, and supported GMA as an instructor and trusted advisor. Appointed by governors and state leaders to various advisory committees, he helped develop planning standards, environmental regulations, and revenue policy throughout Georgia.
“Today, we honor not just a career, but a lifetime of service,” said GMA CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson. “Al Crace has built a legacy of excellence that has transformed local government in Georgia.”
Denise Jordan
Jordan was honored for her 35 years of dedicated service to the City of Gainesville and her outstanding contributions to municipal government across Georgia.
Jordan began her career in Gainesville in 1990 as a records clerk and rose through the ranks to become City Clerk, a position she held for the past 25 years. Throughout her career, she modernized Gainesville’s municipal operations, led the recodification of city ordinances, and transformed a city basement into an official archive—preserving Gainesville’s history for generations. Known for her warmth, professionalism, and steady leadership, Jordan was the calm force behind countless elections, council meetings, and public initiatives. More than a municipal official, she served as a mentor, trainer, and source of institutional knowledge for colleagues throughout the state.
A longtime member of the Georgia Municipal Clerks Association, Jordan served as its president and helped train and mentor clerks across Georgia. She also became the first City Clerk in Georgia to earn the title of Athenian Dialogue Facilitator from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, underscoring her pioneering commitment to education and excellence.
“Denise Jordan is the definition of public service,” said GMA CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson. “Her work has shaped Gainesville and inspired a generation of municipal leaders across Georgia. We are proud to welcome her into the Hall of Fame.”
Fred Perriman
A lifelong resident of Madison, Mayor Perriman has served his community with humility ,compassion, and unwavering dedication for more than 40 years. First elected as a councilmember and later as mayor, Perriman’s tenure has brought transformative progress to the city he’s always called home.
His leadership helped revitalize downtown Madison through the Downtown Development Authority, launch the Town Park project, and implement the city’s Urban Renewal Plan—positively impacting more than 350 households. His efforts led to the development of quality housing options such as Silver Lakes Court and Canaan Crossing.
Mayor Perriman’s contributions have earned Madison statewide recognition, including the Live, Work, Play award and the Visionary City Award from GMA and Georgia Trend magazine.
His service extends well beyond city limits. A longtime leader within GMA, Perriman has held numerous roles, including president, first, second, and third vice president. He also chaired the Legislative Policy Council, the Federal Policy Council, and the Member Services Advisory Council. A champion of education and youth, he has actively supported the Mayors Reading Club since its inception.
“Mayor Perriman embodies everything the Georgia Municipal Government Hall of Fame represents,” said GMA CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson. “He isa true servant leader whose legacy will resonate far beyond Madison for generations to come.”
Mara Shaw Warrington
With a career spanning nearly 40 years, Shaw Warrington has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to local government excellence. She began her service in Kingsland as Community Development Director and spent 17 impactful years in Valdosta, where she held multiple leadership roles including Main Street Director, Community Development Director, and Assistant to the City Manager.
Her influence expanded statewide through her work with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government. As Associate Director and member of the Municipal Training Board, she trained and mentored thousands of local officials, developed innovative programs, and guided cities through critical challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
An active GMA partner, Shaw Warrington served on the Community Development Policy Committee, led retreats, and supported GMA’s collaboration with ACCG. She is widely regarded for her expertise, patience, and unwavering support for ethical, effective government.
“Mara’s career stands as a model of dedication and mentorship, ”said Larry Hanson, GMA CEO and Executive Director. “Her leadership has strengthened cities across Georgia and inspired a generation of municipal officials. We are proud to honor her remarkable legacy.”