Special to the WJH
Waycross Mayor Dr. Michael-Angelo James completed the 2026 Georgia Mayors Leadership Academy held this year at the University of Georgia.
The three-day program is an intensive leadership-development session conducted through a partnership between the Georgia Municipal Association and the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government.
The academy brought together more than 50 mayors from across the state for advanced training in municipal leadership, collaboration, strategic decision-making, crisis communications, ethics, community engagement, and relationshipbuilding. The program was presented through the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute.
“As Mayor of Waycross, I’m committed to lifelong learning and strengthening my leadership capacity for the benefit of our citizens,” said Dr. James. "The Mayors Leadership Academy provided valuable insights, practical tools, and meaningful connections with municipal leaders from across Georgia. I look forward to applying what I learned to continue advancing the City of Waycross and serving our community with excellence.”
The academy provided participants with opportunities to sharpen leadership skills, exchange best practices, and build professional networks with fellow municipal leaders from communities throughout the state.
“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, Chief Executive Officer 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.”
Dr. James, who’s in his second term as Mayor of Waycross, joined fellow city leaders in sessions focusing on leading through change, strengthening community partnerships, addressing emerging municipal challenges, promoting civility and ethics in public service, and enhancing communication during times of crisis.
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