Employee Spotlight: Meet Wanda Martin

Wanda Martin

At FTAAAD, we are proud to highlight team members who truly embody our mission—and Wanda Martin is one of those individuals. As our Public Conservator, Wanda serves as a strong and compassionate advocate for some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met with dignity and respect.

Wanda began working at the District in the Spring of 2002 and has dedicated more than two decades to serving her community through this role. She joined as an Assistant Public Guardian and was promoted to Public Guardian the following year. Her transition into the position was a natural fit, building on 10 years of experience as a paralegal where she became familiar with the Public Guardian Program. She holds a junior college degree, a Paralegal Certification, and is a National Certified Guardian—credentials that reflect both her knowledge and dedication to this important work.

The Public Guardian Program itself plays a critical role across Tennessee. It serves as a court-appointed guardianship option for individuals age 60 and older who, due to physical or mental limitations, are unable to make decisions about their health or finances. Often, these individuals have no family members or trusted individuals available to help, making the program a vital “last resort” to ensure their safety and well-being.

Through this program, Wanda and her team may be appointed to oversee healthcare decisions, financial matters, or both—always acting in the best interest of the client and under the supervision of the court. Responsibilities can include coordinating care, reviewing medical needs, managing assets, and ensuring clients live in safe environments, all while preserving dignity and honoring the client’s wishes whenever possible.

What excites Wanda most about her role is being a voice for those who cannot advocate for themselves. She is deeply motivated by the challenges and opportunities her position presents, always striving to serve people in meaningful and impactful ways. Over the years, she’s especially proud of her work bringing greater awareness of the Public Guardian Program to the community.

For Wanda, success isn’t defined by one single accomplishment. Instead, she sees each client as a unique project with its own challenges—and finds her greatest fulfillment in seeing their lives improve. “This is true success,” she shares.

Teamwork is at the heart of everything Wanda does. She describes her colleagues as a blessing, praising their heart and ingenuity. “You could not do this work without a team effort,” she says. She also appreciates that her coworkers are always willing to step in and help whenever needed.

Wanda speaks with pride about her time at FTAAAD, sharing that it is an honor to serve alongside others who care so deeply about their communities. She is continually inspired by the impact of the organization’s work and considers it something she will always cherish.

Her passion for advocacy extends beyond her daily responsibilities. Wanda is deeply committed to maintaining and sustaining the integrity and continuity of the Public Guardian Program, recognizing its vital importance to the community. Her biggest strength lies in her determination—she embraces challenges and works tirelessly to find solutions.

The best advice Wanda has ever received? “Find something you love to do and a job that pays you to do that.” It’s a philosophy she clearly lives by, bringing care, loyalty, and determination to her work every day.

Outside of work, Wanda is most proud of her family. She has been married to her husband for 50 years and is the proud mother of two children and grandmother to four amazing grandchildren.

We are grateful for Wanda’s leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to those she serves. Thank you, Wanda, for all that you do!