Covington Mayor Kim Carter will have a major role in shaping public policy for Georgia's cities, after being named to the board of directors for the Georgia Municipal Association.

In her role, Carter will be one of six mayors serving on the association's legislative policy council, which studies legislative issues important to cities, such as state regulations and funding and lobbies for change at the capitol.

She was also named chairwoman of the municipal association's public safety policy committee.

"Mayor Carter has extensive knowledge of both municipal issues and the legislative process, making her an outstanding candidate for the legislative policy council," the association's Executive Director Jim Higdon said in a press release.

The Georgia Municipal Association is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy and educational, employee benefit and consulting services to its 512 member cities.

"It is always humbling to have the respect of your peers and the opportunity to serve local governments throughout the state," Carter said in an email.