J. Michael Evans sworn in as the Mayor of Centerville

Evans replaced former Centerville Mayor John Harley, who resigned in December. Since last week's race was a special election, Mayor Evans will be up for re-election for a full four-year term in November.

CENTERVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – J. Michael Evans was sworn in as the 10th mayor of Centerville on Tuesday night.

The ceremony took place one week after Evans’ special election victory over fellow former city councilman Justin Wright. During his speech inside City Hall, Evans invited both his supporters and those who didn’t vote for him to join him for what he called the journey toward progress.

“I believe in the power of our community,” Evans said. “And you know what? I believe that our best days are ahead.” 

Evans served in the U.S. Air Force for nearly three decades and campaigned on strengthening the city’s relationship with Robins Air Force Base. He says he will also work toward expanding community recreation spaces and, most importantly, enhancing public safety. Evans demonstrated this commitment with his first official act being the swearing-in of a new police officer.

“We talk about economic development, we talk about having venues for people to visit,” Evans said. “But you know, if people don’t feel safe, they’re not going to visit those things. So, it’s important.”

A decade after becoming Centerville’s first Black city councilman, Evans also became the city’s first Black mayor. His daughter, Arias Cody, says her father is a role model and inspiration for the entire family.

“Just to see him go for two things he really wants and to win, it makes me feel like everything he’s told me growing up, like never feel like you can’t do anything, it makes me feel good to know that my daddy is actually making Black history,” Cody said.  “And to have his grandchildren look up to him and say, ‘my grandaddy did it, I can do it too.’”

Evans says he was moved to have the level of support he enjoyed throughout his campaign and on inauguration night, including family members and fraternity brothers who traveled across state lines to see him be sworn in. Evans says the support from loved ones and city residents makes him all the more eager to get results.

“It encourages you to step out on faith and do the things that you said that you were going to do so that you can deliver for your citizens,” Evans said. 

Evans demonstrated his commitment to public safety with his first official act being the swearing-in of a new police officer.

Evans replaced former Centerville Mayor John Harley, who resigned in December. Since last week’s race was a special election, Mayor Evans will be up for re-election for a full four-year term in November.