The inaugural class of the Georgia Mayors Leadership Academy will take place August 28-30, 2024, at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education at the University of Georgia in Athens.
Tailored for the unique role of the mayor and offered by the Georgia Municipal Association and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government through the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute, the Mayors Leadership Academy will provide an immersive learning experience designed to help mayors from cities of all sizes and geographic locations throughout the state reflect on their crucial leadership role and how to exercise influence from the chair, not just to survive but thrive.
Over three days, participating mayors will engage in interactive sessions with renowned national speakers and seasoned mayors, sharing insights into cultivating relationships, responding effectively during crises, advancing community engagement, and much more.
Program Objectives
When mayors complete the three-day academy, they should be able to:
- Understand the role they play as convenor, collaborator, consensus builder, and advocate.
- Build and maintain effective relationships.
- Respond effectively during crises.
- Organize opportunities for community building.
- Differentiate between technical and adaptive challenges.
- Develop strategies for leading significant change initiatives.
- Recognize the impact they can have on their community.
Credit in Municipal Training Institute
By completing the full program, participants will earn six hours of credit in the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute. The Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute is offered through a partnership between GMA and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government.
Class Size is Limited
The class size is limited and a brief online application is required in order to be considered. The selection committee will look to choose a class that represents a cross-section of the GMA membership among candidates who are committed to participating and engaging in the full program.
Applying
Access the Application
The online application portal will be open until July 3, 2024.
Candidates will be notified whether or not they were selected for the 2024 class no later than July 12. In the meantime, candidates are encouraged to keep the program dates of August 28-30 blocked on their calendar, and note, if selected, lodging reservations in the hotel block at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education must be made no later than July 28, 2024.
Tentative Agenda
A copy of the agenda is available in a PDF download.
Download the Agenda
Featured Speakers
- Coach Caryl Smith Gilbert, Director, UGA Men’s and Women’s Track and Field
- Larry H. Hanson, CEO and Executive Director, Georgia Municipal Association
- Walt McBride, Leadership Development Unit Manager, Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
- Andrew S. Pennock, PhD, Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, University of Virginia
- James W. Satterfield, Founder & President, CrisisRisk
- Jim Thornton, Director, Governmental Relations, Georgia Municipal Association
- Rev. John Unger, Senior Advisor and Professor at White House Executive Office of the President
Featured Networking Opportunity
- Reception and Dinner at UGA’s Sanford Stadium
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