10/02/2026
MAYOR STEVE TRAMELL COMPLETES GEORGIA MAYORS' LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
WEST POINT, GA — West Point Mayor Steve Tramell recently completed the 2026 Georgia Mayors Leadership Academy, held August 26–28 at the University of Georgia in Athens. The leadership development program is offered by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government through the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute.
The Georgia Mayors Leadership Academy provides mayors with an opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, reflect on their roles as community leaders, and explore strategies for effectively serving their communities. During the three-day immersive program, Mayor Tramell joined mayors from across Georgia for interactive sessions with experienced mayors, leadership professionals, and subject-matter experts.
The academy focused on key areas of municipal leadership, including building relationships, engaging residents, responding effectively during times of crisis, fostering collaboration, and leading meaningful change within communities.
“Georgia’s mayors are called on every day to make important decisions, bring people together and lead their communities through both opportunities and challenges,” said Larry Hanson, CEO and Executive Director of the Georgia Municipal Association. “The Georgia Mayors Leadership Academy gives them dedicated time to strengthen those skills, learn from one another and return home better prepared to serve their cities. GMA is proud to continue our partnership with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government to provide this valuable leadership experience for mayors across our state.”
Throughout the academy, participating mayors examined the various roles they play as convenors, collaborators, consensus builders, and advocates for their communities. Through peer discussions, practical exercises, and shared experiences, participants explored approaches to strengthening relationships, engaging residents, navigating challenges, and leading their communities through change.
“Strong communities depend on strong leadership, and the Mayors Leadership Academy represents an important investment in the people who lead Georgia’s cities,” said Rob Gordon, director of UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. “In its second year, the academy is building a growing network of mayors who can learn from one another and strengthen their capacity to lead. We are proud to partner with GMA to support these city leaders as they shape the future of communities across Georgia.”
Mayor Tramell said the academy provided an opportunity to reflect on his responsibilities as mayor while gaining practical ideas that can be applied in West Point.
“Participating in the Georgia Mayors Leadership Academy allowed me to not only reflect on my role as mayor but also learn practical strategies for enhancing my leadership and better serving the residents of West Point, I really enjoyed meeting the other Mayors and being able to discuss with them the challenges we all share with our cities.”
As the academy concludes, Mayor Tramell will bring new ideas and renewed energy back to West Point, with a focus on applying the knowledge and leadership strategies gained through the program to strengthen local governance, community engagement, and service to the residents of West Point.
