Chris Barnett, Orion Charter Township (Oakland Co.) supervisor, has been honored by the Michigan Townships Association (MTA) with a “Spirit of MTA” award. The award was created to highlight and recognize the exemplary efforts of local leaders in serving and advancing their township—as the Association has done for more than 70 years. Barnett was presented with the award before nearly 1,000 of his township peers on April 2 during an awards ceremony at the banquet held during MTA’s Annual Educational Conference & Expo in Grand Rapids.
“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 fellowtownship officials, who also served on the MTA Board of Directors, following evaluation and consideration of dozens of nominated elected officials—each of whom represented dedication and above-and-beyond efforts on behalf of their community. Nominations 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 (Oakland Co.) 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.”
MTA represents more than 99% of Michigan’s 1,240 townships and is the largest municipal association in the state. Its members include more than 6,500 elected township officials, and tens of thousands more appointed officials, personnel and volunteers.
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The Michigan Townships Association advances local democracy by fostering township leadership and public policy essential for a strong and vibrant Michigan.
Photos by David Trumpie, Trumpie Photography