Cochran’s first female mayor draws on decades of public service and faith to guide the city’s growth, inspire residents, and make a lasting impact.
By Becky Holland
Carla (Davis) Coley, 53, didn’t realize the full weight of her achievement until her college-aged daughter pointed it out: she had become the first female mayor of Cochran.
“She and I had a long talk,” Coley recalled. “I always thought people were hired on merit. I worked in a male-dominated field for years, and it felt natural to be in a ‘man’s’ position. But my daughter reminded me that younger girls seeing me as mayor could realize they, too, can achieve their goals. That humbled me.”
The mother of three, grandmother of two, and recent retiree spent decades serving the state of Georgia in public health. She had served on the Cochran City Council for seven years before feeling a spiritual calling to run for mayor.
“I had not ever considered running, but I felt like God wanted me to do it,” she said. “I’ve always loved Cochran and community service. I wanted to make a difference. After praying about it, I decided to run—and I was unopposed.”
Coley retired from her public health career to dedicate herself fully to the mayor’s office. “I just asked that God use me,” she said.
Her vision for Cochran focuses first on taking care of what the city already has. “We can’t ask businesses and citizens to maintain property if we aren’t doing it ourselves. Some buildings have not been well maintained. We recently acquired property with a grant from U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff’s office to build a much-needed new fire department. I’m also pursuing grants to renovate the city auditorium and city hall.”
She is also focused on long-term infrastructure projects. “Water and sewer systems are aging, and we have some areas with water issues. Grants will help us address those. We’re also installing new water meters, which will improve billing accuracy.”
Coley emphasizes the role of residents in building a stronger community. “Citizens need to take care of what we have. If they see something, let the city know—or if it’s something they can handle, take care of it themselves. Even small actions, like picking up litter, make a difference. Get to know your neighbors. Take pride in your community.”
Her advice to her younger self is simple yet powerful: “Be more civic-minded and involved. Volunteer. Walk down your street and pick up trash. Read at a school. Spend time at a nursing home. Do something to make a difference.”
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