Centrice Martin has been appointed to permanently fill Ferguson Township’s top administrative position after serving in the role on an interim basis for the last two months.
The board of supervisors on Tuesday night unanimously approved a resolution naming Martin as Ferguson Township manager.
“Centrice’s experience, high level of professionalism and steady leadership are a perfect fit for our growing township,” Board Chair Laura Dininni said in a statement. “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.”
Martin succeeds David Pribulka, who resigned effective Feb. 28 after nearly five years in the position and 10 years with the township. Pribulka left to become manager of Susquehanna Township in Dauphin County.
After Pribulka submitted his letter of resignation in January, the board hired GovHR, a public management consulting firm, to assist with the search for a new manager. The 14-week process yielded 23 applicants and two rounds of interviews.
But in the end, the township didn’t have to look far.
Martin has been a member of the township administration since 2018, serving as assistant to the township manager then assistant township manager.
“For me, it’s more than a job or a career,” Martin said. “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.”
Prior to joining the Ferguson Township staff, Martin was assistant to the borough manager for community engagement in State College. She holds bachelor’s and masters degrees from Penn State.
She also serves on several community boards and task forces, including the Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania Board of Directors, the State College Borough and Centre County Task Force on Mental Health Crisis Services, the State College Borough and Penn State Task Force on Policing and Communities of Color, and as a founding member of the Pioneering Change Community.
Martin is believed to be the first Black municipal manager in Centre County and is Ferguson Township’s first female manager.
Her appointment as manager continues a historic year for Ferguson Township government, which in January seated the first all-female board of supervisors in the Centre Region, including the township’s first Black supervisor.
“It is an honor to serve the elected officials, our residents and our community,” Martin said. “I also hope that my appointment provides a path forward for both women and people of color… 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 drew praise from Harris Township Manager Amy Farkas, who is also president of the Association for Pennsylvania Municipal Management
“I am very happy for the residents of Ferguson Township and for the Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors,” Farkas said. “Ms. Martin is a highly skilled leader and I know she will do great things for the Township. I am also especially pleased to welcome another female manager into the Centre Region and the first female manager from Ferguson Township. I look forward to working with Ms. Martin.”
