GCCMA 2025 Fall Conference

Columbus, Georgia September 24-26, 2025

GCCMA hosted its 2025 Fall Conference in Columbus, Georgia, on September 24–26, with more than 130 managers, administrators, deputies, assistants and other key staff in attendance and 45 companies exhibiting. The week began with GCCMA’s New Manager Bootcamp on September 23, which continues to grow as a valuable training ground for new and aspiring leaders in local government.

Conference programming highlighted timely and practical topics, including navigating the challenges of workforce recruitment and retention, leveraging innovation to improve service delivery, and strategies for effective communication with elected officials and the community.

A highlight of the conference was the recognition of professional excellence within the field. Sammy Rich (City of Rome) received the prestigious Pillars of Professional Excellence Award, honoring his contributions to the profession, and Angela Sheppard (City of Gainesville) was presented with the Cornerstone Award, which recognizes an assistant or deputy manager for outstanding service and leadership.

During the business meeting, board transitions were recognized as Cleatus Phillips (City of Newnan) and Bryan Lackey (City of Gainesville) conclude their service at the end of 2025. Zach Propes (Hall County) and David Brooks (City of Carrollton) were elected to join the board, beginning in 2026.

Thank you conference sponsors!

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