[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 194 (Wednesday, December 14, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1289-E1290]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMENDING DR. CHRISTA MARTIN FOR HER SELFLESS SERVICE TO HER COMMUNITY 
                    AND THE GREAT STATE OF TENNESSEE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARK E. GREEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 14, 2022

  Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
life and accomplishments of Dr. Christa Martin of Columbia, Tennessee.

[[Page E1290]]

  Christa Martin exemplifies the volunteer spirit. She was born and 
raised in Maury County and continues to serve the community she 
cherishes so deeply. Growing up on a farm instilled in Dr. Martin the 
three main focuses of her life: education, public service, and faith. 
Through her humble beginnings, Dr. Martin said she learned from her 
surroundings, ``the farm . . . the road . . . and the community,'' and 
believes, ``you didn't have to have letters behind your name to be 
educated.''
  Through various chapters of learning, Dr. Martin has never stalled in 
her intellectual journey. She graduated from Columbia State Community 
College in 1975 with a degree in Data Processing. A year later, she 
received a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems from 
Middle Tennessee State University. She then received a doctorate of 
Higher Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
  Dr. Martin not only earned her degrees from these institutions, but 
also chose to give back. From 1979 to 2003, she worked in the Computer 
Science Department at Columbia State Community College. Since 2003, Dr. 
Martin has worked in a promoted role as an Assistant to the President, 
specializing in Access and Diversity.
  Dr. Martin has also served her community well. She served on the 
Columbia City Council for over 22 years and is finishing her last term 
as the Vice Mayor of Columbia, where she is the first African American 
female to hold that position. Dr. Martin also serves on the Board of 
Directors for Columbia Power & Water, Blood Assurance, and Public 
Entity Partners. She serves non-profit organizations such as the Boys & 
Girls Club of South-Central Tennessee, Columbia Miracle League, Maury 
County NAACP, and many more.
  Dr. Martin continues to be involved at New Smyrna Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church as a teacher, missionary, clerk, elder, and choir 
member.
  Dr. Martin is a pillar of the community who is dedicated to leaving 
it a better place than she found it. Her life shows how passion and 
commitment can create a causal chain that benefits whole cities, 
counties, and, indeed, the state. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
acknowledging this great American's unwavering devotion toward 
education, her community, and her faith.

                          ____________________