United Way of Erie County has announced that James E. Martin is the 2018 Tocqueville Award recipient. The award will be presented to him during a reception ceremony at the Warner Theatre on Tuesday, June 19, 2018.
This prestigious award recognizes outstanding volunteer service to our community through personal leadership and long-time commitment. The award reception brings together Tocqueville Society (donors of $10,000+ annually), Leadership Giving Society ($1,000+ annually) and Young Leaders Society ($500+ annually and under the age of 45) members, along with past award recipients and guests of the honoree to pay tribute to the recipient of United Way’s highest honor.
For decades, Martin has been one of the community’s premier leaders, making it a priority to dedicate his skills and connections to many local organizations and their common mission to move Erie forward. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in finance from St. Louis University, Martin returned to his beloved hometown of Erie to dedicate his expertise.
Now president of Northwest Bank’s Erie Region, Martin has devoted his time to the company since his start in the management trainee program in 1985. He has been heavily involved with United Way of Erie County, sitting on the board from 2011 to 2018, chairing 2011’s campaign, and the board from 2014 through 2016. In a 2017 interview with the Erie Times News, Jim said his work with the United Way has given him the greatest feeling of accomplishment. Beyond his support of United Way, Martin has served as chair for various organizations throughout the community. He has been a board member of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership since 2008, where he was chair from 2011 through 2013. He serves as a commissioner of the Housing Authority of the City of Erie and on the finance committee for the Diocese of Erie. He has been a member of Serra Club since 2006—serving as past president and treasurer. He is also a member of the board of corporators of UPMC Hamot and Saint Vincent Health System among other boards in the region.
Since 1983, the Tocqueville Award has been given each year to an individual whose outstanding volunteer service has demonstrated commitment and creativity and has inspired others to serve in the community. The service must have been sustained over a number of years, and should be of significance to the Erie community. Recent honorees include Jim Ohrn, Bob Dwyer and Al and Peggy Richardson. In honor of his lifelong commitment to advancing the common good in our region, United Way of Erie County presents the 2018 Tocqueville Award to James E. Martin.
