Ferguson Township manager honored with outstanding local government service award
A local township manager recently became one of nine local government employees across Pennsylvania to be honored with the Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence, which recognizes local government employees for outstanding service.
Centrice Martin, Ferguson Township’s manager, was honored with the award on April 16 during the Local Government Day celebration in Harrisburg for her “exceptional leadership, commitment to effective local governance and innovative problem-solving,” skills, according to a press release from the township.
She was one of 89 total nominees.
Heading a staff of 70, Martin’s achievements since starting with the township in 2018 were what brought her the recognition, specifically her work responding to post-pandemic challenges. Martin has served as township manager since 2022.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition,” Martin said in a written statement. “This award reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team at Ferguson Township. Together, we’ve focused on modernizing processes and finding innovative solutions that serve our residents with efficiency, transparency and accountability. I look forward to continuing our mission to build a stronger, more responsive local government.”
In the township’s release, a number of Martin’s accomplishments and projects were noted, including:
Transitioning the township from a two-system purchase order process to a more streamlined, cloud-based financial enterprise resource program.
Implementing the township’s job applicant tracking system, which significantly improving recruitment efforts and expanding the pool of applicants.
Initiating annual the adoption of board proclamations, such as Public Service Week, Police Week and July as Parks Month.
Conducting the first review of the township’s personnel policy manual since 2008 and creating a comprehensive strategy for the development of standard operating procedures.
Launching the Citizen Request Center, a program that residents can use to report township concerns that prioritizes transparency, convenience and accountability.
In addition to her work with the township, Martin also is involved with general local government advancement. She’s the first vice president of the Pennsylvania Municipal League, is a member of the PennPrime board and volunteers for the Families First Network.
Martin also is involved with the community in which she represents, serving on boards such as the Centre County Task Force on Mental Health Crisis Services, and the State College Borough and Penn State Task Force on Policing and Communities of Color.
“Under Centrice Martin’s leadership, and with the dedication of our municipal staff and the guidance of the Board of Supervisors, Ferguson Township has embraced modernization and innovation,” Jeremie Thompson, chair of Ferguson Township’s supervisors said in a written statement. “(Martin’s) forward-thinking approach has addressed immediate needs and established a detailed road map toward a more sustainable and prosperous future for our community.”