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Serve on the GMA Board

The GMA Bylaws provide that the Officers of the Association shall be a president; a first, second and third vice president; the immediate past president; and the Executive Director. The Board of Directors consist of the Officers, all past presidents of the Association who are active elected municipal officials of a member city; District Officers serving in a position designated by the Board for Board membership (see District Officer section for details); fourteen directors elected from the state at-large; the highest-ranking officer of the Georgia City-County Management Association who is an official of a GMA member city; the President of the Georgia Municipal Clerks Association; the President of the GMA City Attorneys Section; the chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System; the chairperson of the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute; and the chairpersons of the standing Policy Committees established by the Board.
 
Who is eligible to serve as a GMA Officer?
Elected municipal officials are eligible to serve as a GMA Officer.
 
What is the term of GMA Officers?
Terms are for one year and begin upon election and installation at the GMA Annual Convention in June.
 
How can I become a GMA Officer?
GMA Officers, except for the Executive Director, are nominated each spring by a Nominating Committee appointed by the President. Considerations given by the committee include previous GMA leadership positions held by an individual, a demonstrated track record of advocating for GMA’s state and federal legislative priorities, the number of training hours earned through the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute and the level of participation in GMA services by an individual’s city.
 
Who is eligible to serve as a GMA Board member?
It depends on the Board position. Only elected municipal officials may serve as Officers and District Officers. Both elected and appointed municipal officials are eligible to serve in all other Board positions, with the exception of seats designated for a city manager, city clerk and city attorney.
 
What is the term of Board membership?
Terms are for one year and begin upon election and installation at the GMA Annual Convention in June. At-large members are eligible to serve successive one-year terms.
 
How and when are GMA Board members elected?
The GMA Board of Directors votes on the proposed Officers and Board of Directors at the Annual Convention in June. Once approved, the slate is presented to the membership for final approval at the annual business meeting, also held at the convention.
 
How often does the GMA Board meet?
The GMA Board typically meets four times a year, including: in the fall; in January during the Cities United Summit in Atlanta; in the spring; and in June at the GMA Annual Convention in Savannah.
 
Does GMA cover travel and lodging expenses of GMA Officers and Board members?
Except for the President, GMA does not reimburse Officers and Board members for travel and lodging expenses.
 
How can I become a member of the GMA Board of Directors?
The most common pathway for becoming a GMA Board member is service as a District Officer (see District Officer page for details). The Nominating Committee nominates individuals to serve in at-large Board positions.
 
City officials interested in being considered for an at-large seat may express their interest by completing this interest form.