STATE COLLEGE — Centrice Martin, Township Manager for Ferguson Township, has been honored with the prestigious Governor’s Award for Outstanding Service, Career Recognition and a Citation from the Senate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

This award recognizes her exceptional leadership, commitment to effective local governance and innovative problem-solving in her role as Township Manager. Martin was one of nine officials acknowledged by Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) 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.

Centrice’s leadership, which began in 2018 as Assistant Township Manager and elevated in 2022 to Township Manager, has been transformative in modernizing Township operations and enhancing service delivery 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.

Recognizing the need for improved governance and operations in the face of ransomware attacks, aging infrastructure and outdated workflows, Centrice led efforts to reimagine and rebuild local government services with an eye toward innovation and future readiness. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Penn State University.

In April 2022, Centrice began focusing on the Township’s Strategic Goal 5 of the Strategic Plan — Best Management Practices for Operations. By mid-year, she led an effort with assistance from a third-party consultant to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Township’s operations, addressing key areas including finance, human resources, technological capabilities and organizational effectiveness. These initiatives have contributed to streamlining operations and creating a more transparent and efficient governmental structure.

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 (ATS), significantly improving recruitment efforts and expanding the pool of applicants, including a highly successful 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 (SOPs).

— 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 greater transparency the 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 (STMP).

— Empowers 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.

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition,” said Centrice Martin. “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.”

Centrice’s leadership exemplifies the value of modernizing local government operations to meet the challenges of the future while maintaining a commitment to transparency, public service and community well-being.

She is actively engaged at every level of government, currently serving as the First Vice President of PML, a member of the PennPrime Board, and the Families First Network. In addition to her government roles, she remains deeply involved in her local community. She serves on several community boards, including the State College Borough Council, the Centre County Task Force on Mental Health Crisis Services and the State College Borough & Penn State Task Force on Policing and Communities of Color. She is also a founding member of the Pioneering Change Community.

DCED’s Governor’s Center for Local Government Services sponsors Local Government Day annually to honor local governments and officials who serve their communities and improve their quality of life. A full list of recipients can be found on the DCED website: Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence Program 2025.