A group formed to protect Robins Air Force base from closure by the federal government is getting new leadership. Just-retired U.S. Air Force Major General Robert McMahon will take the helm of the “21st Century Partnership” in September.

While movers were taking his family’s belongings from Robins Air Force Base to their new Houston County home, McMahon Thursday was named President and CEO of the organization.

The group formed in 1995 when the base was threatened with closure. It includes business and political leaders from all of Middle Georgia. McMahon says his connections from 34 years in the military will help protect the base.

“The ability to pick up the phone and call a friend versus a stranger just makes it a lot easier to have a meaningful conversation. It doesn’t always guarantee we’re going to get the results we need, but it at least allows us to have the conversation.”

The next Base Realignment and Closure Commission isn’t likely until 2015. During the last BRAC seven years ago, the Commission closed 185 military sites.

Tags: Warner Robins, Robins Air Force Base, GPB, Josephine Bennett, BRAC, Retired Air Force Major General Robert McMahon, 21st Century Partnership