in Port Wentworth History

Based in Atlanta, the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, research, training, employee benefit and technical consulting services to all of Georgia’s 537 cities. In January 2023, The GMA held their Annual Convention in Atlanta. Port Wentworth’s Mayor Pro Temp, Thomas Barbee received the prestigious Certificate of Dedication from the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute.

The Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute, is a cooperative effort of the GMA and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, provides a nationally recognized series of training opportunities for city officials. To receive a Certificate of Dedication, a city official must complete a minimum of 276 training hours, including at least 108 hours from a list of required classes, 18 hours of which must be from Advanced Leadership track, the Newly Elected Officials Institute and the Robert E. Knox, Jr. Municipal Leadership Institute. The training program consists of more than 80 courses.

Mayor Pro Temp Thomas Barbee is the first elected official in the history of Port Wentworth to achieve the Certificate Of Dedication. Reflecting on his achievement Mayor Pro Temp Barbee stated, “serving the people of Port Wentworth is an honor. I see great benefit in gaining more information from the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute and I look forward to more opportunities in the near future.” The retired Air Force veteran of 21 years, is currently serving in his second term on council and works diligently every day to build a better Port Wentworth.

He is a very familiar and friendly face to many residents of Port Wentworth. Born in Tennessee and raised in Indiana, he joined the United States Air Force in 1984 and retired in 2005 after 21 years of honorable service. His work at the Pentagon along with decades of service ingrained a strong belief in accountability. He and his wife, Margo, live in the Rice Creek Subdivision of the city. Mr. Barbee moved to Port Wentworth in August 2011 and fell in love with the pulse of the community.

Ever ready to lend a helping hand, Mayor Pro Temp Barbee leads by example. Sharing his belief, “there is no greater reward in public service than knowing that I helped to make a difference in our community!”