At the regular meeting of the Swainsboro City Council on Monday, January 5, newly elected mayor Lillie Ann Brown was sworn in by Probate/Magistrate Judge Chase Sherrod. Mayor Brown is the first female and first black to serve as mayor for the City of Swainsboro. She is a lifelong resident of Swainsboro and a graduate of Swainsboro High School and Swainsboro Technical College. For more than 25 years, Brown has been a childcare provider. She serves on the Southeastern Technical College Childcare Advisory Board. She is a member of Brown Chapel Center of Deliverance, where she serves as church secretary. She also serves on the church board and the finance committee. Every third Saturday of the month, she helps feed over 100 people through the Elderly Meal Program.
“I plan to stay connected with the community through town hall meetings and a dedicated website. I believe both platforms will allow people to express their concerns and for all of us to work together for the betterment of our city. I know I can work with anyone because I believe we all need to be ‘on one accord’ to make Swainsboro a better place to live,” stated Mayor Brown.” When I decided to run, I did so with a clear understanding of the challenges we face. I have listened to you. I know we have pressing needs. We need good, stable jobs for our families. We need our neighborhoods to be safe for our children and our seniors. We need to revitalize our city and support our local businesses. These challenges are real. But my belief in the people of Swainsboro is stronger. You did not elect me to ignore these problems. You elected me to face them head-on, and I promise you, I will. It is the single greatest honor of my life to be given this sacred responsibility to serve you as your next mayor. But I must be clear: I cannot do this alone. The time for division is over. The time for togetherness is now. A mayor doesn't fix a city—the community does. We will only succeed if we work together, listen to one another, and find common ground. It does not matter who you voted for; I am dedicated to being a mayor for all of Swainsboro. Your voice matters, your ideas are welcome, and your help is needed.”
Two more new faces – Tjuna Culbreth, representing City Council Ward 4, and Brad McKenzie, representing City Council Ward 3, were also sworn in. Gregory Quarterman was unopposed and will continue to represent Ward 6 for four more years.
