GRAND RAPIDS — Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett received the Michigan Townships Association “Spirit of MTA” award during the MTA conference on April 2 in Grand Rapids.
The award was created to highlight and recognize the exemplary efforts of local leaders in serving and advancing their township. Barnett was presented with the award before nearly 1,000 of his township peers during an awards ceremony during MTA’s Annual Educational Conference and Expo.
“I am humbled and honored to receive this award,” said Barnett, who has served as supervisor since 2012. “It has been the greatest privilege of my life to serve the residents of Orion Township. I have the best team in government. Our mission is to provide the best service in local government, and we work to do that every day. While I am receiving this award, they deserve the credit.”
Following a statewide call for nominations, Barnett was selected by a panel of his fellow township officials, who also served on the MTA Board of Directors. Nominees were asked to convey how the official’s leadership style aligns with the 2025 MTA Conference theme of “Unique and United,” representing both the individuality and collective strength of Michigan’s townships.
“Since taking office, Chris has made it his mission to preserve and enhance the unique character of his township while also working continuously to foster collaboration with other communities and leaders to support township governance in Michigan,” said Pauline Bennett, Addison Township clerk and 2024 MTA immediate past president, who presented the award to Barnett. “Chris exemplifies how a township leader can honor local individuality while being a unifying force in broader efforts to strengthen communities across Michigan.” – J.N.