The Carbon County commissioners know how important a strong administrator is to creating a successful working government.

Recently, Eloise Ahner, the county’s county administrator/chief clerk, was honored by the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania as this year’s Pennsylvania Outstanding Chief Clerk/Administrator.

On Thursday, Ahner was also honored for the recognition by former Carbon County Commissioner Thomas J. Gerhard on behalf of U.S. Congressman Dan Meuser.

“I think the award speaks volumes about the kind of person Ellie is,” Gerhard said. “She is a leader, she leads by example. She is dedicated, hard working and devoted to her job.”

He pointed out that Ahner has served in county government for 40 years.

“The knowledge, the wisdom and the expertise she has is second to none,” Gerhard said before reading the Congressional Record from Meuser.

Ahner received the CCAP award on Aug. 3 during the organization’s conference at Hershey.

She was chosen for making a positive difference in the lives of county residents with her quiet professionalism, remarkable work ethic, excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, and the continuity she brings with her vast knowledge of issues affecting county residents.

At the time, the commissioners said she was more than deserving and were happy to nominate her.

Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein said Ahner always gives “120 percent” to her job and has helped several committees within CCAP over the years.