Four Georgia city leaders were inducted into the Georgia Municipal Government Hall of Fame during the Georgia Municipal Association’s (GMA) Annual Convention in Savannah on Monday, June 24. The Hall of Fame recognizes city officials who have made extraordinary contributions to the city they serve and have exhibited strong support for GMA. This year’s inductees are:
- Willie Thomas Edmondson (posthumous), former Mayor of LaGrange
- Nancy Harris, former Mayor of Duluth
- Paul Radford, City Manager of Sugar Hill
- Randall Walker, Mayor of Perry and GMA immediate past president
Willie Edmonson
A lifelong resident of Troup County, Edmondson began his career as a nurse before purchasing and managing the Lakes-Dunson-Robertson Funeral Home. His dedication to service led him to the LaGrange City Council, where he served for over 20 years. In 2023, he made history as the first African-American Mayor of LaGrange. He also served as the senior pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church in West Point, fostering unity and hope in the community until his passing earlier this year.
Edmondson was known for his fiscal responsibility, influenced by his business background, and his commitment to smart investments, such as funding the city's electric business. He supported professional management staff and actively participated in community events and meetings.
Nancy Harris
Nancy Harris served as mayor of Duluth for 16 years, from 2008 until her retirement in 2023, though her commitment to the city spans her entire life and continues today. Born and raised in Duluth, she worked for many years with Gwinnett County Public Schools and played a key role in the downtown revitalization, preserving the area’s historic charm. Harris's accomplishments include the creation of a pedestrian bridge connecting Duluth’s Rogers Bridge Park to Cauley Creek Park and the development of the astroturf Activity Lawn, fostering community engagement. A lifelong arts enthusiast, she also oversaw the creation of celebrated public art installations throughout the city.
Harris is best known for establishing genuine connections with residents. Her approachable, fun-loving personality was evident in creative public meetings like the “Be Duluth Show” and local takes on popular sketches such as “Carpool Karaoke” and “Undercover Mayor.” Her leadership extended beyond Duluth as she served on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Municipal Association, President of the Gwinnett Municipal Association, and Chair of the Metro Atlanta Mayors Association.
Paul Radford
Radford has impacted Georgia's cities through nearly five decades of public service. His career began with regional commissions focused on community and economic development, followed by serving as Cook County’s first County Manager. Radford then became the Deputy Commissioner at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, where he helped design and implement programs like the Community Development Block Grant and the Georgia Planning Act. After 23 years with DCA, he joined the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) as Deputy Executive Director in 2001, overseeing governmental relations, research, policy development, public information, communications, membership outreach, and downtown development. His efforts at GMA included shaping the legislative platform, revitalizing the policy development process, and creating the Metro Atlanta Mayors Association.
Radford also played a key role in the revitalization of Georgia’s downtowns through the Georgia Downtown Renaissance Partnership. In 2013, Radford became the City Manager of Sugar Hill, transforming its city center with amenities such as an outdoor amphitheater, restaurants, retail shops, a gymnasium, an indoor theatre, and an Olympic-size ice skating rink. Despite his role in Sugar Hill, Radford continues to support GMA and other cities through active participation in the Legislative Policy Council and the Federal Policy Council. His nearly 50 years of service have left a lasting influence on Georgia’s cities, enhancing governance and quality of life statewide.
Randall Walker
Outgoing GMA President and Perry Mayor Randall Walker is an exceptional leader known for his quiet, example-setting leadership style. With a background in Chevron and private business, Walker joined the Perry City Council in 2009 and became mayor in 2019. He has since revitalized Perry's downtown, added greenspace, improved infrastructure, and transformed a historic building into the new city hall. He also developed a strategic plan that guides the city's decisions. As GMA President, Walker encouraged member cities to engage with the organization, advocated for policy priorities, and earned the respect of the Georgia General Assembly as a credible voice for Georgia’s cities.
Mayor Walker helped establish the Georgia Mayors Leadership Academy and championed GMA’s “Cities of Civility” initiative, which promotes respectful dialogue among city leaders. With over 130 participating cities and organizations, this effort has fostered civil conversations statewide. A dedicated servant leader, Walker serves on multiple boards and councils, focusing on breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty and promoting literacy. He actively participates in the Mayor’s Reading Club and serves as a Georgia City Solutions Ambassador.