LaGrange Mayor Jim Thornton was installed as second vice president of the Georgia Municipal Association for the 2019-2020 year.

As second vice president, Thornton is in line to be GMA President in two years for the 2021-2022 year.

This year’s GMA president is Dublin Mayor Phil Best. The GMA first vice president is Union City Mayor Vince Williams, and the third vice president is Tifton Mayor Julie Smith. GMA General Counsel Rusi Patel led the swearing-in ceremony.

The GMA president has general supervision and is in charge of the affairs of the GMA. The mission of the Georgia Municipal Association is to anticipate and influence the forces shaping Georgia’s cities and to provide leadership, tools and services that assist municipal governments in becoming more innovative, effective and responsive.

“GMA does a great job advocating for and supporting Georgia cities,” Thornton said. “I have seen first-hand how LaGrange has benefited from the affiliation, and I’m excited about serving in this leadership role.”

Thornton, city council members, City Manager Meg Kelsey and city staff along with city leaders from across the state of Georgia, met in Savannah for the 86th Annual GMA Convention from Friday, June 21 until Tuesday. The GMA 2019 Annual Convention’s theme was “Cities United: Lead to Succeed.” The annual event took place at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center in Savannah, Georgia.

This year’s convention offered sessions to city leaders and city staff with presentations that allow attendees to enhance leadership skills.

There have been two other LaGrange mayors to serve as President of GMA including Mayor R. S. O’Neal in 1944 and Mayor Frank Tigner in 1955.