NATCHEZ — Ricky Gray was awarded the certification at the advanced and professional development levels of the Certified Municipal Officials program administered by the Mississippi Municipal League. Graduates of the program were recognized recently at a dinner in Jackson.

The CMO program has a total of three levels of certification: basic, which focuses on basic municipal organization, law, finance and land use; advanced, which provides training in the areas of community and economic development; and professional development, which offers courses to assist in improving skills such as public speaking, writing and interpersonal communication. To achieve all levels of certification, participants must complete a total of 50 core hours and 90 elective hours.

“These municipal officials who have achieved certification at each level of the program have made a strong commitment to the citizens of their municipality to be the most effective leaders possible,” said Executive Director George E. Lewis.

“The MML is so proud of the level of participation we have in this program.”

Established in 1931, the Mississippi Municipal League is a private association representing 288 municipalities in the state.

The mission of the MML is to help cities and towns excel.