‘A perfect fit.’ Ferguson Township appoints new manager after national search
Ferguson Township has a new manager.
With a unanimous vote, the Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors appointed Centrice Martin as township manager during its meeting Tuesday. Martin has worked for the township since 2018, previously as the assistant township manager and assistant to the township manager. She has been the interim manager since February.
In a press release, Martin said for her, this is more than a job or career.
“As a public servant, I am afforded the opportunity to give back to our community, to deliver public programs and services, and also to inform policy-making. My appointment to serve as the Ferguson Township Manager was significant and humbling. It is an honor to serve the elected officials, our residents, and our community,” Martin said.
Martin is thought to be the first Black manager of a borough or township in the Centre Region and is the first female manager of Ferguson. This is another piece of history made in the township this year, as the first all-female board for Ferguson Township was sworn-in in January.
“I also hope that my appointment provides a path forward for both women and people of color, both locally, regionally, and within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to see themselves as future leaders, and able to achieve goals that position them to serve in leadership roles for diverse representation in our increasingly growing area,” Martin said.
Amy Farkas, Harris Township manager and president of the Association for Pennsylvania Municipal Management said in a release that she’s pleased to “welcome another female manager into the Centre Region.”
“Ms. Martin is a highly skilled leader and I know she will do great things for the Township,” Farkas said.
During the meeting, Board Chair Laura Dininni said the board is thrilled to have Martin on board as manager. In a press release, she said Martin is a “perfect fit.”
“Centrice’s experience, high level of professionalism, and steady leadership are a perfect fit for our growing Township,” Dininni said. “Her conscientious decision making reflects a deep commitment to staff excellence and resident quality of life that will serve our community well in the years to come.”
The township manager position became vacant when former manager David Pribulka resigned in January. Supervisors accepted a $22,500 contract from govHR, a public management consulting firm that specializes in local government and other public-sector entities, to conduct a search for a new manager. The board received 23 applications for the position and conducted two rounds of interviews before selecting Martin, according to a press release.
