Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson was honored Wednesday, July 15, as a 2025–2026 Defense Community Champion during a special recognition ceremony at the Rainwater Conference Center, celebrating his decades of leadership in strengthening the partnership between Moody Air Force Base and the South Georgia community.

Presented by the Association of Defense Communities (ADC), the Defense Community Champion designation recognizes individuals across the nation who have made an extraordinary impact on their defense communities through leadership, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to supporting military installations, service members, veterans, and their families. Hanson is one of only 20 individuals nationwide selected for the 2025–2026 recognition cycle.

Hosted by the South Georgia Military Affairs Council, the ceremony brought together military leaders from Moody Air Force Base, elected officials, community leaders, colleagues, friends, and family to celebrate Hanson's enduring legacy of service.

Speakers included Dr. Lucy Greene, John Eunice, Councilmember Tim Carroll, former Valdosta Mayor Jon Gayle, 347th Rescue Group Commander Col. Brian DeSautels, retired Col. Wayne Edwards, and retired Col. Nick Lacey, each reflecting on Hanson's leadership and the lasting impact he has made throughout his career.

Hanson's commitment to Moody Air Force Base spans more than three decades. As Valdosta City Manager, he helped build one of the nation's strongest military-community partnerships and played a key role in securing the country's first Intergovernmental Support Agreement in 2013. During the 1991 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, he was among the original community leaders who launched the MOODY SUPPORT initiative to protect the installation and demonstrate South Georgia's unwavering commitment to the Air Force.

Throughout his career, Hanson has continued to champion Moody Air Force Base at every level of government, advocating before Congress, the Pentagon, and military leadership to strengthen the base's mission while improving housing, infrastructure, quality of life, and community readiness for Airmen and their families. Today, as CEO of the Georgia Municipal Association, he continues to promote strong partnerships between Georgia's cities and the state's military installations.

"Growing up in an Air Force family, I learned at an early age the sacrifices made by those who wear our nation's uniform and the families who serve alongside them," said Hanson.

"Supporting Moody Air Force Base and the men and women who serve our nation has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. My time at GMA has allowed me that same privilege on behalf of all nine military installations in Georgia for all branches of service.  This recognition is truly a reflection of the many community leaders, military partners, elected officials, and citizens who have worked together over the years to make South Georgia one of the strongest defense communities in America and Georgia as one of the strongest in the nation.  I am deeply honored to accept this award on behalf of everyone who has shared that same commitment and to those who serve at great sacrifice for the many freedoms we all enjoy.”

The Defense Community Champions program recognizes leaders who make meaningful contributions through both large-scale initiatives and everyday acts of service that strengthen the connection between military installations and the communities they call home.

Hanson's nomination concluded with a fitting tribute to his legacy:

"Larry's leadership, collaborative spirit, and sustained commitment to Airmen, their families, and Georgia's defense communities make him an exceptional Defense Community Champion."

For more than 20 years, Hanson has been a trusted advocate for Moody Air Force Base and military communities across Georgia. His leadership has helped ensure that military installations remain not only vital to the nation's defense but also deeply connected to the communities that proudly support them.