October 1, 2018

CONTACT: Lindsey Wiles

Communications Manager

lwiles@mariettaga.gov

770.794.5509

MARIETTA – The City of Marietta is pleased to announce Councilwoman Michelle Cooper Kelly has been selected by the US State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to be a member of the American Delegation in an exchange program trip to Moldova in October.

This program, completely funded by the US State Department, is organized by the World Learning Organization, a non-governmental organization that organizes all types of youth and emerging leader exchange programs for the State Department.

In May 2018, the City of Marietta played host to a group of female mayors from Moldova. Mayor Steve Tumlin, Councilwoman Kelly, and City Manager Bill Bruton welcomed the distinguished group to Marietta and various City department heads gave them a crash course in local government over a two-day period. Marietta also coordinated with smaller cities in middle Georgia to give these Moldovan Mayors a true since of life in both urban and rural Georgia. The City of Marietta greatly benefitted by hosting this group and learned much from each participant.

“I am honored to be selected to participate in this global exchange program and given the opportunity by our US State Department to travel to Moldova and learn more about their style of government and culture,” said Councilwoman Michelle Cooper Kelly. “I truly enjoyed spending time with the Mayors of Moldova when they were here earlier this year. I look forward to seeing their towns and learning more about their government. I hope to capture some best practices to share with our Gem City.”