FERGUSON TOWNSHIP — Ferguson Township’s Township Manager, Centrice Martin, was honored with the Governor’s Award, Career Recognition and a Citation from the Senate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for her role in local leadership, commitment to effective local governance and problem-solving.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition,” Martin said.
“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.”
Martin was one of nine acknowledged by Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger and Deputy Secretary Rick Vilello, Jr., on behalf of Governor Josh Shapiro as part of the Local Government Day Celebration in Harrisburg.
The Department of Community and Economic Development, Governor’s Center for Local Government Services, sponsors the annual Local Government Day to honor local governments and officials improving the quality of residents’ lives and serving the community.
“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 the Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors, said.
“Together, strides have been made in operational efficiency while navigating the challenges of rapid growth and financial pressures. Centrice’s forward-thinking approach has addressed immediate needs and established a detailed roadmap toward a more sustainable and prosperous future for our community.”
Martin started out in 2018 as Assistant Township Manager before taking on the position as Township Manager in 2022 and according to Fergson Township, was a vital part in modernizing operations and enhancing services to residents.
“Overseeing a dedicated team of 70, Centrice has championed numerous projects aimed at improving transparency, accountability and efficiency within local government. Under Centrice’s leadership, Ferguson Township has undergone significant strides to modernize its operations, especially in response to challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic,” a press release from the township explained.
“Recognizing the need for improved governance and operations in the face of ransomware attacks, aging infrastructure and outdated workflows, Centrice led efforts to reimagine and rebuild local government services with an eye toward innovation and future readiness.”
According to the press release, some of her key achievements include:
- The transition from a two-system purchase order process to a more streamlined financial enterprise resource program, moving from on-site to cloud-based technology.
- The implementation of the Applicant Tracking System, improving recruitment efforts and expanding the pool of applicants, including a police officer recruitment campaign.
- Strengthening public trust with measures to ensure appropriate use of township resources and initiating Annual Board Adopted Proclamations for Public Service Week, Police Week and July as Parks Month.
- A review of the Township’s Personnel Policy Manual for an update, the first since 2008 and the creation of a comprehensive strategy for the development of Standard Operating Procedures.
- The transition from a manual effort to preparing the Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting agenda and agenda packet to an agenda management program that streamlines with a greater transparency process for preparing the agenda packet.
- A critical assessment of the township’s management practices and past and present financials, with a multi-year financial plan as part of intentionally involving the Township in the Strategic Management Planning Program.
- Empower staff to generate unique solutions for greater transparency and accountability, which lead to the development and launch of a program called the Citizen Request Center for residents to report concerns using a program that prioritizes transparency, convenience and accountability.
- Addressing the need for a local approach to economic development, growth and innovation with a focus on various topics, including housing and revenue diversification as part of long-term fiscal planning within the forthcoming Economic Development, Growth and Innovation Strategic Plan.
“In addition to her work at the township, Centrice is an active advocate for local government advancement. She currently serves as the first vice president of the Pennsylvania Municipal League (PML), is a member of the PennPrime Board and volunteers for the Families First Network, further solidifying her dedication to fostering better community and governmental relations at all levels,” the press release from Ferguson Township continued.
She also serves in the State College Borough Council, the Centre County Task Force on Mental Health Services and the State College and Penn State Task Force on Policing and Communities of Color. Additionally, Martin is a founding member of the Pioneering Change Community.
