Martin Puckett named
president of state organization
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Martin Puckett, Presque Isle’s deputy city manager, is the latest city official to garner recognition at a higher level, recently being selected as the 2013-14 president of the MTCMA — Maine Town, City and County Management Association. He will assume the duties of president later this year.
The MTCMA’s mission is to broaden the knowledge and promote values necessary for Maine’s local government administrators to better serve their communities. With over 200 members from all over the state, the MTCMA is a steadily growing organization focused on developing professionalism and leadership in Maine towns and cities, especially in such trying times. The MTCMA was first established in 1941.
City Manager Jim Bennett congratulated Puckett on his new designation — one that will shed a positive light on the Star City.
“This is a very prestigious honor for Martin and all of us here at the city are very proud of him. I have no doubt that Martin will do an outstanding job leading the MTCMA organization over the next year,” stated Bennett.
Puckett’s career in local government spans more than 10 years. He’s served as town manager in three communities: the town of Sangerville, the town of Livermore Falls and, most recently, managed the tri-communities of Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill, prior to taking his position with the city of Presque Isle.
He is a member of many local boards and committees, including: the International City and County Management Association; Maine Municipal Employee Health Trust Board; and the Crown Ambulance Advisory Committee. He is a member of the Presque Isle Rotary Club and is past president of the Aroostook Municipal Association, as well as a current member of Momentum Aroostook.
He is currently the first vice president of the MTCMA as well as co-chair to the organizations professional development/institute and sponsorship committees. His appointment as president will take place Oct. 1, 2013.
Puckett grew up in Hancock but now lives in Presque Isle with his wife, Kari, and daughter, Sabine. They moved to Presque Isle five years ago to raise a family in The County. His wife is originally from Presque Isle and they love being close to her family. He is an avid runner and an accomplished cook.
Puckett is a graduate of the University of Maine, with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in public administration.
Asked how this new role will benefit the city and positively impact his duties as deputy city manager, Puckett said, “This will create networks throughout the state and help get a pulse on what’s happening throughout Maine and the municipal world. The MTCMA also covers various training costs, mileage and meals at different events.”
