B U S I N E S S + C U LT U R E 51 the job, then he could move me back to my former position. Dave would give me that chance, and each time I would prove myself and get the job.” Hanson gives credit to the supervisors and mentors who provided him with the skills, training, encouragement, leadership, and most importantly, the opportunity to grow. It was James “Jimmy” Rainwater, who served as Valdosta’s mayor from 1988 to 2003, who gave Hanson the opportunity for a “trial period” one more time. “I had been assistant city manager for only five months when the city manager’s position came open,” Hanson said. “It was Mayor Rainwater who persuaded the council to give me a chance. They made me interim city manager and then six months later the city manager.” Hanson said he remains grateful to Rainwater and the Valdosta City Council for giving him the opportunity to serve as Valdosta’s city manager. “Jimmy always saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself,” Hanson said. “He encouraged and inspired me to grow personally and professionally. Mayor Rainwater stepped up and gave me a chance to prove myself.” Councilman Sonny Vickers, the city’s longest-serving councilman, has also been a supporter and mentor to Hanson. “I have learned a lot from Councilman Vickers,” Hanson said. “Most importantly, I learned that people come first.” Hanson said he has been fortunate to work with many people who are Former Valdosta City Manager Larry Hanson officially began as the executive director for Georgia Municipal Association on Dec 11, 2017. PHOTO: PAT GALLAGHER I am proud that Valdosta is recognized as an outstanding local government. I credit that to the political leadership we have had all these years, as well as the high-quality people who work for the city. Valdosta has a lot of talented people, and they are the ones who have set us apart from other cities. - Larry Hanson