Sonja Marston named Rotary's 2025 Distinguished Person of the Year

The Rotary Club of Morganton announced Sonja Marston as the Distinguished Person of the Year for 2025.

The annual award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the betterment of our community — an award that transcends politics and personalities and reflects Rotary’s guiding principle of “Service Above Self.”

Marston arrived in Morganton in 2015 after a career in banking and the community college sector.

Since then, she has played a pivotal role in advancing economic development throughout the city.

As manager of the Community Development Block Grant program, she supported local small businesses and nonprofits, strengthening the economic fabric of the region.

During her 10 years of service as Assistant City Manager — retiring on December 1, 2025 — Marston helped guide several transformative projects. These include the development of Murphy’s Farm Apartments, the design of the Historic Burke County Courthouse Square renovations, the creation of the Exit 105 connector road (Albert Tron Boulevard), and the recruitment of LongHorn Steakhouse, Olive Garden, and the Downtown Marriott Fairfield Inn.

Following Hurricane Helene, Marston assisted small businesses, connecting them with the Small Business Administration and state agencies to secure essential loans and grants.

Her service extends beyond city government. Marston has been an active member of the Morganton Rotary Club and has contributed to the Burke County Housing Study Committee, the Greenway Transportation Committee, the Downtown Master Plan, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and the Reimagining Broughton Project.

Marston is a graduate of the UNC–Chapel Hill School of Government’s Municipal and County Administration Program and the Development and Finance Program. She also completed the Burke County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program. She holds a BSBA in Computer Information Systems and an MBA from Western Carolina University. She and her husband, Keith, have three adult children, two grandchildren, and one more on the way.

“Sonja Marston is truly the most deserving recipient of our Distinguished Person of the Year Award,” said Rotary Club President Tyler Barnhardt. “From the very first time I met her, she radiated an infectious energy — bubbly, friendly, and genuinely kind, with a spirit that could brighten even the darkest day. Even while serving as Assistant City Manager, she devoted herself tirelessly to the Rotary Club with unwavering passion and commitment. Her status as a Lifetime Honorary Rotary Member is a testament to her extraordinary contributions — a distinction earned by only a select few. Sonja embodies the very best of Rotary, and we are honored to celebrate her.”

The community is invited to celebrate Sonja Marston on Thursday, May 14, at 6 p.m. at the Morganton Community House. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased staring Monday, April 20, on morgantonrotary.org or from any Rotary member.