In a world where leadership takes many forms, few embody the essence of grace, influence, and purpose quite like Dr. Kelli McGaha-Martin. A lifelong Greenbrier Panther, an esteemed educational leader, and a passionate advocate for student success, Dr. Martin’s impact extends far beyond the walls of Greenbrier Public Schools. This year, she is being honored as the Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year—a recognition that reflects her unwavering commitment to the community she calls home.

Much like Glinda in Wicked, who used her charm, wisdom, and influence to guide others toward their potential, Dr. Martin has dedicated her career to uplifting those around her. She has spent 25 years shaping the future of education, serving as a teacher, principal, district administrator, and now Deputy Superintendent of Greenbrier Public Schools. Her leadership is not just about guiding policies and programs; it’s about inspiring people to rise, grow, and lead with purpose.

To celebrate this well-deserved honor, Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce President Ashton Pruitt sat down with Dr. Martin to reflect on her journey, her impact, and what this recognition means to her.

Dr. Martin, congratulations on being named Citizen of the Year! How does it feel to receive this honor?

Thank you, Ashton! It’s humbling and incredibly special. Greenbrier is my home—I’ve been a student and an educator here for over three decades. I so appreciate that my family realizes how special this place is to me and how they support me in serving. To be recognized by this community I love so much is a true blessing.

Your leadership spans from the classroom to the boardroom, from local to national levels. What drives your passion for education?

Education is a “people business” and the prime opportunity for servant leadership. We have worked quite a bit with strengths assessments across the school district. One of my strengths is being a “connector,” and this helps me see my role not just as an administrator but as a builder of capacity, confidence, and culture. Being a connector allows me to serve those around me. My passion is connecting people to resources and opportunities so that our systems ensure growth—for students, educators, and the entire community. When as educators we stop and consider the influence we have on changing a child’s life…that’s where our passion for education lies…and we have that opportunity every single day.

You’ve had such a profound impact on Greenbrier Schools, but your work extends beyond the district. Can you share a bit about your involvement with the Chamber and the broader community?

Absolutely! Serving on the Chamber of Commerce Board has been a wonderful way to bridge education with local businesses. One of my biggest focuses has been expanding Greenbrier’s Career and Technical Education Program. We want our students to graduate with real-world skills that set them up for success in college, careers, and beyond. We also want them to return to our area to build their careers for long term impact on Greenbrier and Arkansas. Re-establishing our work based learning program was largely possible due to the partnerships with many of our Chamber members.

I also can’t miss the opportunity to highlight the importance of our district-chamber collaboration that combines Glisten in Greenbrier and our “RISE Up in Lights” event every Christmas. The annual Christmas parade has given each of our schools such a unique and fun avenue for a community wide literacy event with parade floats and stations at Matthews Park that support reading. It is now an important tradition for hundreds if not thousands of Greenbrier families.

I also serve on several other boards, including Bethlehem House. Such a role helps me strengthen our local program supporting families in homelessness. I am the incoming President for The Arkansas Association of Curriculum and Instruction Administrators and a board member for the Arkansas Association of Career and Technical Education Administrators.

Your leadership philosophy centers on building capacity in others. What does that look like in practice?

It’s about more than just leading—it’s about lifting others. I firmly believe in distributed leadership, where individuals recognize and use their strengths to drive positive change.

I figured out a long time ago that the more adults I can positively impact, the more kids that can reap the benefit. One of the greatest joys in my career is seeing educators I’ve mentored building confidence to lead from where they are. If I can set a precedent for how to lead with integrity and vision, then I know I’m fulfilling my purpose.

Speaking of setting precedents, your life word is PRECEDENT. Can you elaborate on what that means to you?

Yes! To me, PRECEDENT means showing others a way—maybe not the only way, but at least one path to success. I take my responsibility of creating sustainable systems and strategies for our district with utmost honor, and I want those systems and strategies to be cornerstones that others can build upon. Whether it’s in education, leadership, or service, I want to leave a lasting impact that benefits those who come after me.

Your leadership is deeply rooted in the lessons you learned from your parents. Share some more and specifically about how your father’s influence shaped your approach?

The expectation to have a high level of work ethic was modeled by both of my parents my entire life, as was serving others and always supporting “the underdog.”

My father was the embodiment of faith. He always told me to give 110%—not just to get by, but because true effort means pushing beyond what you think you’re capable of. That principle has guided me in everything I do, from my own education to leading others. He also taught me that no matter how difficult life gets, and no matter how many others are depending on you, there is always a Rock for me to lean on. His faith, his resilience, and his commitment to serving others have shaped how I lead and how I lift others up. During his last few months on earth he mentioned to some very close friends that “Every Rock Needs a Rock,” and that’s something I carry with me every day.

That’s such an inspiring perspective. As we celebrate your achievements, what advice would you give to aspiring leaders?

Some simple advice I try to adhere to - you can never be overdressed or overeducated! On another note, my advice is, as already mentioned, always give 110%. My life verse, Colossians 3:23, reminds me that whatever we do, we should do it with all our heart. Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about service. If you focus on building others up, success will follow.

As the Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce honors Dr. Kelli Martin as Citizen of the Year, it’s clear that her leadership is nothing short of Wicked-ly inspiring. Like Glinda, she uses her influence not for personal gain, but to elevate others, proving that true leadership isn’t about power—it’s about passion, vision, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.