State Representative Mary Ann Santos (D-McDonough) has completed the Georgia Legislative Leadership Institute (GLLI), a training program for new legislators. The event took place at the UGA Center for Continuing Education and Hotel in Athens, Georgia, and included members of both the Georgia House of Representatives and State Senate.
“As a first-term legislator, I am very thankful to Speaker Jon Burns for nominating me, and to the Georgia Legislative Leadership Institute, its staff and leaders who made this possible,” said Rep. Santos. “This experience reminded me of the strength we have when we come together as one Georgia and the importance of always learning as we serve.”
The GLLI was established by the Georgia General Assembly Training Institute in 2005 to help new lawmakers address leadership challenges in representative government. Faculty from the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government, legislative leaders, and colleagues contribute to the program’s curriculum. GLLI is part of broader leadership development efforts at the Institute.
During this year’s sessions, participants received guidance from House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) and Brad Vaughan, Legislative Director and Counsel for the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. Lawmakers also worked with experts from the National Institute for Civil Discourse on best practices for public engagement.
The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation supports GLLI with funding aimed at developing personal and public leadership skills among legislators.
Since 2005, more than 230 legislators have participated in GLLI; 120 are currently serving in the General Assembly. The Carl Vinson Institute of Government is a unit within UGA Public Service and Outreach that provides assistance, research, and professional development to government officials across Georgia.
Burns has served as a Republican member representing Georgia’s 159th House District since his election in 2005, succeeding Ray Holland.
A Spanish translation of Rep. Santos’s statement is also available with this announcement.
