Ms. Martha Turner-Quest has devoted her career to benefit psychologists and the patients they serve. She helped build strong organizations as the executive director for the Georgia Psychological Association and now for the North Carolina Psychological Association. Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Turner-Quest's initiatives shone brightly. She established "Evening Elevations," a daily e-communication providing timely COVID-19 information related to the practice of psychology. Notably, her collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services resulted in the creation of the Hope4Healers line, offering free counseling to frontline workers facing stress due to the pandemic.
Turner-Quest's leadership and coalition-building extended to the legislative arena, where she successfully lobbied for the enactment of PSYPACT, the interstate compact that facilitates the interjurisdictional practice of psychology. In addition, her efforts in convening North Carolina Psychological Association leaders and Blue Cross and Blue Shield executives showcased her ability to foster meaningful partnerships for the benefit of practicing psychologists.
As the 2024 Chair of CESPPA, the Council of Executives of State, Provincial and Territorial Psychological Associations, Turner-Quest has worked tirelessly to strengthen collaboration among state psychological associations. Her commitment to establishing a warm and productive relationship with APA reflects her vision for a united and cohesive psychology community.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, APA honors Martha Turner-Quest with this Presidential Citation, acknowledging her as a guardian of the psychology profession. Her visionary leadership, tireless advocacy, and commitment to collaboration exemplify the highest ideals of the psychology profession.