Lisa Willner, PhD, is recognized with this APAPO Citizen Psychologist Presidential citation as an exemplar of broad and diverse community leadership, dedicated work ethic and impressive dexterity in working with people, policies and organizations.
Aside from her stellar leadership for the Kentucky Psychological Association, Willner's lifelong commitment to the highest quality public education and her commitment to making it available to all students, regardless of their residence, socioeconomic class, unique learning style, sexual orientation or ethnicity culminated in her election to the Jefferson County (Kentucky) Public School (JCPS) Board of Education in 2015, challenging a 30 year incumbent. Her work on the JCPS Board is rooted in her knowledge of child development, learning principles and group dynamics. Willner brings psychological science to the forefront of developing systems in children's education in Kentucky. Her passion for human rights, whether children's rights, labor rights, environmental rights, women's rights or economic justice, and standing up for those who need a voice, is demonstrated throughout her work. Willner was elected as vice chair of the School Board in 2016 demonstrating strong advocacy for mental health issues, for students' voices being heard and for greater labor/management collaboration.
Willner has volunteered in many other capacities in Louisville, Kentucky as a Parent Teacher Association member and officer; an Advisory Council member for the Noe Middle Youth Services Center; an assistant coach of the 2014 State Champion Quick Recall Team at duPont Manual High; a member of the Louisville BB&T Nonprofit Executive Round Table and a founding board member and board president for the Louisville Leopard Percussionists, a children's musical ensemble. As an active member of her faith community, First Unitarian Church of Louisville, Willner was also hired as their director of religious education from 2000 to 2008.