Madison Mayor Fred Perriman Elected President of GMA

Madison Mayor Fred Perriman was elected president of the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) during the association's annual convention in Savannah on Sunday, June 23. Joining him in leadership are College Park Mayor Bianca Motley Broom (first vice president), Young Harris Mayor Andrea Gibby (second vice president), Suwanee Mayor Jimmy Burnette (third vice president), and Perry Mayor Randall Walker (immediate past president).

Perriman has served as GMA's first, second, and third vice president. He has also chaired the Legislative Policy Council, Federal Policy Council, and Member Services Advisory Council during his three years on the Board of Directors.

In his acceptance speech, Perriman embraced the theme "Imagine the Possible," urging cities to turn dreams into action. "By dreaming big and harnessing our collective power, we can achieve remarkable things together," he said. "Imagining the possible is just the beginning," he added. "We must make plans and take concrete steps to turn our dreams into reality. It's not enough to imagine and dream. We must do."

Perriman highlighted the importance of literacy, praising the Mayor’s Reading Club program by Georgia City Solutions. "This initiative shows our young people that their leaders are committed to their success," he said. He also shared a personal anecdote about how reading transformed his life. "I still recall Mrs. Stinson, my first-grade teacher, handing me my first book in a small, segregated church school. That simple gesture changed my life."

He also emphasized literacy as essential for economic strength, workforce development, and overall quality of life, stating, "Literacy lays the foundation for a brighter future for our communities."

Perriman ended his speech with a call to city officials to remember that imagining possibilities for their cities "are only as real as the actions we take to achieve them. It is our responsibility to develop plans, to work together, and to remain steadfast in our commitment to our communities."

Perriman has served Madison for over 40 years as a city council member and mayor. As a member of the Downtown Development Authority, Perriman played a key role in revitalizing Madison's city center, including the creation of a downtown park and event space that has become a community hub.

Perriman’s contributions to the Urban Renewal Plan improved living standards for 350 households over 300 acres. Notable projects include Silver Lakes Court with 44 senior housing units and Canaan Crossing with 60 townhomes and apartments for lower-income families.

Perriman has a long-standing history of service and leadership, including nearly 20 years as the pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Lincolnton. He is also the co-founder and President of the Morgan County African American Museum.

In addition to his professional achievements, Perriman is deeply committed to community service. He volunteers with various organizations, including the Local Food Pantry, and participates in Georgia City Solutions’ Mayors Reading Club. He has also served on numerous boards and committees.