Looking to
Applications are now being accepted for MTA’s new Harold Koviak “Future of MTA” Memorial Award and Scholarship, which seeks to recognize and support individuals new to township government, and who are committed to serving their community and who are interested in expanding their knowledge, building new skills, and brining valuable ideas to their communities.
The winner will receive a free registration* to attend MTA’s 2027 Annual Conference & Expo, held April 19-22 at the Grand Traverse Resort, as well as lodging for three nights at a 0hotel with an MTA Conference room block The recipient will also be recognized during the awards ceremony at the MTA Banquet on the final night of the Conference.
Applications are now being accepted for MTA’s new Harold Koviak “Future of MTA” Memorial Award and Scholarship, which seeks to recognize and support individuals new to township government, and who are committed to serving their community and who are interested in expanding their knowledge, building new skills, and brining valuable ideas to their communities.
The winner will receive a free registration* to attend MTA’s 2027 Annual Conference & Expo, held April 19-22 at the Grand Traverse Resort, as well as lodging for three nights at a 0hotel with an MTA Conference room block The recipient will also be recognized during the awards ceremony at the MTA Banquet on the final night of the Conference.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Applicants must have served four years or less in their township role and have not previously attended the MTA Annual Educational Conference & Expo.
Applicants are not limited to only elected township officials. In addition to those serving on the township board, appointed board or commission leaders may also apply, as well as deputies, staff and other who are seeking to grow in their role in the township or potentially seek elected office.
HOW TO APPLY
Each applicant must submit:
- A brief essay (500 words or less) on their local government involvement, value of serving, and how they will put the Conference education and experience to use in their community.
- A resolution of support from their township board.
- Sample Township Board Resolution of Support (Word Document)
- Sample Township Board Resolution of Support (PDF)
Applications are accepted until Monday, January 4, 2027, by completing the form on this page, and attaching the required materials, or by emailing application materials to jenn@michigantownships.org, along with your name, township (and county), and number of years served.
about
Harold Koviak
Harold Koviak served as 2025 MTA president, until his unexpected passing in October 2025. Harold grew up in and around local politics—with both his parents serving as local elected officials—and spent decades serving Burt Township (Cheboygan Co.) and Michigan’s townships. Harold first became involved in township government in 1996 when he was asked by the Burt Township supervisor if he would consider being the township’s zoning administrator, a position he held for seven years. He served as township trustee for two years before becomes supervisor in 2002, a role he held for 23 years.
In 2013, Harold was elected to the MTA Board of Directors, serving as District 5 director and representing Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet Counties. When he assumed the role of Association president at our Annual Conference in April, he shared his long-held belief that “public service is a gift” and the need to mentor and encourage the township leaders of tomorrow.
The Harold Koviak “Future of MTA” Award & Scholarship was created to honor Harold, preserving his memory and his immense dedication to township leaders, for generations to come.
