GMA Executive Director, Mayors Named to Georgia Trend’s 100 Most Influential Georgians

January 6, 2022

Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) Executive Director Larry Hanson and city leaders from across the state have been honored in Georgia Trend’s 100 Most Influential Georgians list for 2022.

The annual list recognizes leaders who push Georgia forward, positively impact residents’ lives and rise to meet and combat challenges. GMA President and LaGrange Mayor Jim Thornton has also been named to Georgia Trend’s Notable Georgians list, which recognizes leaders who have made significant impacts in their communities.

The mayors included on the Most Influential Georgians list are:

  • Mayor Hardie Davis Jr., Augusta
  • Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta
  • Mayor Van Johnson II, Savannah
  • GMA Immediate Past President Mayor Vince Williams, Union City

This is Hanson’s fifth time being recognized as one of the most influential Georgians. Davis, Johnson and Williams have also previously been named to the list.

“Each year, we are gratified to see Georgia Trend recognize so many city leaders among its list of the 100 Most Influential Georgians and Notable Georgians. This year is no exception, with five mayors making the two lists,” Hanson said. “ We know these individuals are most deserving and, yet, we have many others who could just as easily be on the list.  As I know they are, I am honored to be selected and I know it is because of the great work of each and every GMA member, and the dedicated and passionate staff we employ at GMA.  Awards occur because teams are successful, and our cities and our employees deserve credit for the success we enjoy.”

GMA is proud to have the leadership and hard work of these mayors and its executive director recognized. These mayors have worked hand in hand with GMA on legislative issues, the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and many other critical city issues.

With the help of city leaders, GMA successfully advocated for direct federal relief funds for local governments in the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021. GMA and its members also logged legislative wins on the state level in 2021 including the passage of a hate crimes law, legislation allowing virtual public meetings and local taxes on short-term rentals like Airbnb, which are expected to bring in more than $32 million in revenue for Georgia’s cities in 2022.

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