For the first time in city history, Waycross will have two voices on the Georgia Municipal Association Executive Board of Directors.
Mayor Michael-Angelo James and District 3 Commissioner Katrena Felder will serve on the board for the GMA’s 2025-26 administrative term. Dr. James was elected for a fifth straight year while Commissioner Felder was elected First Vice President for District 11 after previously serving as third and second VP, respectively, for the district.
“We’re pleased Katrena will be joining our GMA Board of Directors as 1st Vice President of District 11,” said Larry Hanson, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the GMA. “Katrena has demonstrated a strong commitment to training, which will allow her to better serve her city and its citizens. Her energy and enthusiasm and willingness to learn and share will make her a valuable leader within GMA.”
The two were part of the city’s delegation that participated last month in the 2025 GMA Conference at the Savannah Conference Center. “The Power of Positive Leadership” was the theme of the convention, which provides municipal training for mayors, council members, city staff, and other officials for 537 of state’s cities, towns and villages.
In addition to continuing on the executive board, Mayor James also was named Chairman of the GMA Legislative Policy Council’s Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee for the 2025–27 term.
Both he and Felder also were recognized for extensive training and commitment to excellence in public service education.
Dr. James received the Certificate of Excellence for completing more than 120 hours of training.
Commissioner Felder earned the Certificate of Achievement after completing at least 72 hours of coursework through the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute, a program of the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government.
“The City of Waycross commends its leadership and staff for exemplifying a strong dedication to professional development, civic innovation, and forward- looking environmental policy,” Mayor James said. “This momentous occasion is not only a celebration of individual achievement but also a powerful affirmation of Waycross’s rising prominence in Georgia’s municipal landscape.”
District 11 is composed of 18 counties in South Georgia including Ware, Pierce and Brantley.
“It’s an honor to be installed as the first Vice President for District 11 in the state of Georgia,” Felder said. “This board holds a vital role in shaping policies that strengthen local governance throughout our region. I am genuinely excited to work alongside the chairperson and fellow GMA board members to advocate for the needs of Georgia’s municipalities.” Keith P. Brooks, Mayor of Blackshear, is District 11 President.
Waycross also was recognized during the convention with recertification as a City of Civility. Participants earn the civility designation by formally adopting GMA’s Civility Resolution and pledging to engage in civil behavior with each other as well as other organizations and partners they work with.
