Mayor of Royston

MAYOR KEITH TURMAN

Background: I was born in Elbert County GA, but moved to Royston at an early age and I've made Royston my home for the past 47 plus years. I am married to the love of my life (LaShona) and the proud father of two. O’Neal is proudly serving our country in the United States Navy and our daughter  Alexus  is a student at Young Harris College.  I'm also the proud grandfather of two. I worked for Ty Cobb Healthcare System as the Director of Environmental Services for many years before starting my own business. I pursued my dream of becoming an entrepreneur and starting Turman Carpet & Cleaning Service, Inc. in 2003 and I have enjoyed our growth each year.


I am a member of Rucker’s Grove Baptist Church, where I serve as a deacon and the chairman of the finance department. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and cooking BBQ. As significant as it was for me to be elected the first person of color as a council member and now to the office of mayor, in which I am grateful and honored. I didn't run to make history, I ran to make a difference, It is my pledge to my community and our citizens that I will do the right thing the right way at the right time for the right reason. I will not govern based on the issue of black or white, but what's RIGHT.

I once was told that everyone who got elected had to be a politician. "I said no. The difference between a politician and an elected official is that an elected official will never forget who they work for."

  • E-mail: mayorturman@cityofroyston.com

    Mobile: (762) 338-8276

    Education: GED from North GA Tech. Over 320 municipal training hours from the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia.

    Political Experience: Elected to Royston City Council 1999-2021

    I served 17 consecutive years as Mayor Pro-Tem prior to being elected Mayor in November 2021.

    Being active in my community, I've had the opportunity to serve on many committees and boards such as:
  • Royston Downtown Development Authority
  • Franklin County Recreation Board
  • Former member of the Royston Fire Department
  • Former Board Member of St. Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital
  • District Two Past President
  • Georgia Municipal Association (GMA)
  • (GMA) Mentor for Newly Elected officials
  • (GMA) Board of Directors
  • (GMA) Executive Board Member
  • (GMA) Nomination Committee, Past Chair
  • (GMA) Public Safety, Past Chair
  • (GMA) Workforce Development Advisory Council, Past Chair

    Term expires: December 31, 2025