Class of 2025 Government Day Recap

Reflections on Leadership Augusta’s Government Day

This week’s Leadership Augusta session was an eye-opening deep dive into the inner workings of our local government, the challenges it faces, and the opportunities for impactful leadership. From understanding revenue sources and service gaps to discussing public-private partnerships, each conversation reinforced how leadership and governance intersect to shape the future of Augusta.

Some key takeaways:
✅ Government functions best when leaders are informed and engaged. Sue Parr’s breakdown of services, funding, and existing gaps highlighted the importance of strategic decision-making.

✅ Collaboration is key. The Commissioner Roundtable with Francine Scott and Sean Frantom underscored the importance of open dialogue and partnership in tackling community needs.

✅ SPLOST matters. Cedric Johnson’s insights into the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) clarified how targeted funding can drive critical projects.

✅ Leadership goes beyond office titles. Former Mayor Deke Copenhaver shared valuable lessons on leadership, prioritization, and community impact.

✅ Bridging the public-private divide is essential, where they  emphasized how quasi-governmental agencies connect resources and initiatives across sectors.

✅ Running for office? Be prepared! George Diez walked us through the realities of stepping into public service and the preparation required.

A huge thank you to our Government Day Chairs and to the entire Leadership Augusta team for curating such a dynamic and informative session. The discussions reinforced that leadership isn’t just about holding a title—it’s about stepping up, engaging, and making a difference in our communities.