Irwin Borough manager honored for 'distinguished service'

Irwin Borough’s manager was recognized by a state association for her outstanding service to the town.

Shari Martino, 42, of North Huntingdon, was honored by the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs with its Distinguished Service Award for 2022. She received the award at the association’s convention last month in Hershey.

“I was very excited when I found out,” last month, said Martino, who has been the borough’s manager since August 2019.

The award is based on an individual performing distinguished, meritorious and exceptionally outstanding service to the citizens of his or her borough and to promote a better borough government. A spokesperson for the state association of boroughs, representing the state’s 956 boroughs, could not be reached for comment.

“I like the connections I have with the citizens and the small hometown feel of Irwin,” said Martino.

She said she also likes the opportunity to build relationships with the business owners.

Martino also has an affinity for Irwin’s residents and businesses, “bridging many gaps to create a holistic community that works together in a common interest to become a model community, rebuilding from the old days of being a mining and train station town,” wrote Stacie Santimyer, assistant manager, in nominating Martino for the award.

“She is always open to new ideas and thinking outside the box. She is very personable but she is as tough as nails when she has to be,” said Rick Burdelski, council president.

Martino has brought stability to a position that had seen three managers in two years. She was acting manager when hired to succeed Valerie Morton, who had resigned as borough manager in June 2019. She was hired as the assistant manager in September 2017, replacing Morton when she became manager. Morton had succeeded longtime manager Mary Benko.

Martino is not too proud to ask for input from managers of other boroughs, council members or other professionals who have experience that she does possess, Santimyer wrote.

The manager has been “amazing at getting grant funding for our borough. She has secured over a half million dollars in grants the past year alone,” Burdelski said.

The money will be used to make transformative changes and improvements at Irwin Park, Santimyer stated. The money will be used for a streambank restoration project to stabilize a tributary of Tinker’s Run and to install a new walking track for residents.

The manager also secured an Automated Red Light Enforcement grant to replace and improve traffic signals in the borough’s downtown, enhancing safety and traffic flow, Santimyer said.

”It is not a job for her but, a true passion to make Irwin a beacon of light in the ‘rust belt,’ as an example for re-invention and redevelopment, as well as a great place to live, where business thrive and recreation facilities are utilized to the fullest,” Santimyer added.