MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Meridian Township’s Deputy Township Manager Derek Perry received the “Best of the Best – Top Assistant Manager” award for the year 2020. This award was given by the Michigan Municipal Executives (MME), who recognize top executives across Michigan for their outstanding performances.

“It was really based upon customer service which is extremely important to our organization,” Perry said. “We think that’s the starting block to all of our operations that we provide for our residents each day.”

Deputy Township Manager Perry was nominated by Township Manager Frank Walsh and Sturgis City Manager Mike Hughes.

“It’s always nice to be recognized by your peers, right? We always want that additional encouragement,” Perry commented. “Very well appreciated by those that nominated me.”

The MME also considered projects that the nominees have been developing and pursuing. Deputy Township Manager Perry oversees the Local Street Improvement Plan, which is a 10-year plan that aims to the get the Township’s 147 miles of local roads to a pavement rating of eight out of ten.

The Township has $3.5 million to use each year over the span of ten years, and this year will be the second year of the plan’s operation.

“We learned a few things in the first year and we’re going to be implementing those in year two,” Perry said. “One of the most important things about us is we’re not just focusing on the streets that are completely failed, but we’re doing more and more preservation work, which is critical to maintaining the system in good repair.”

Deputy Township Manager Perry values the work he does for Meridian Township and serving the residents of the community.

“I enjoy public service,” Perry said. “It’s a blessing to be honored for doing something that I love to do.”