Lisa Radtke, Fife Lake Township (Grand Traverse Co.) supervisor, has been honored by the Michigan Townships Association 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. Radtke was presented with the award before nearly 1,000 of her township peers on April 22 during an awards ceremony at the banquet held during MTA’s Annual Educational Conference & Expo in Acme Township (Grand Traverse Co.). 
“I am very honored to receive this award,” said Radtke, who became supervisor in 2023. “Our township team is small, but mighty—and they are absolutely fearless, and have jumped into improvements for our community, financial efficiencies, and community engagement and getting more people involved. Every local leader is inspiring to someone—and many, many have been inspiring to me. I am so grateful for this leadership, and the generosity of time that others have given to me or to other leaders in the community to help us shine.”
Following a statewide call for nominations, Radtke—who was jointly nominated by her fellow township board members—was selected by a panel of her fellow township officials, who also serve 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 2026 MTA Conference theme of “Pathway to the Future,” representing both the individual and collective impact of Michigan’s townships.
Radtke holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and a Master of Arts in Education in Community Engagement, as well as a Zoning Administrator Certificate and completed the Master Citizen Planner Program from Michigan State University Extension. She has extensive experience in economic and community development, as well as zoning and land use matters, serves as executive director of the Builders Exchange of Northwest Michigan, and is a small business owner.
“The ‘Spirit of MTA’ award recognizes those elected leaders who have inspired others, and who are leading their townships into the future,” said 2026 MTA President Kevin Beeson, supervisor of Pine River Township (Gratiot Co.). “On behalf of MTA and our Board of Directors, we congratulate Lisa Radtke for receiving this honor and thank her for her efforts in her own community and region, and thank all local officials for their service to Michigan’s townships.”
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.