Marshall honors City Administrator Sharon with Robert A. Barrett award

Mayor Bob Burns opened the council meeting by announcing that City Administrator Sharon had received the Robert A. Barrett Award for management excellence, a statewide recognition. A short video was shown and council members offered praise for Sharon’s leadership and long service to Marshall and the region.

The award recognizes administrative excellence across the state. Mayor Burns said Sharon has led the city for eight years and previously served in county administration and regional roles; he thanked her for “leadership, dedication and commitment to the city of Marshall.” Colleagues highlighted Sharon’s hands-on management style and mentorship of staff and interns. One council member said Sharon “brings a lot of confidence to the profession” and another praised her as a consistent advocate for public safety and staff development.

Sharon thanked the council and said she was humbled by the honor. Council members noted the award is rare for outstate administrators and thanked Mayor Burns and staff for coordinating the nomination. The council gave Sharon a round of applause and presented a plaque during the meeting.

The recognition was ceremonial; no formal policy action resulted from the award. Council members said the honor reflects Sharon’s role in city operations and staff engagement, and they encouraged continued support for staff professional development programs including internship partnerships.