What is your full name?
Martha Jean Evans


What is your profession?
In a generic sense, I am in non-profit management. I serve as the Executive Director at Hope Pregnancy Center


Where are you from originally?
I am actually an Air Force brat. I was born in Dover, Delaware, but have lived in a total of nine states, two countries, and one U.S. Territory. My father retired from the military the same week I graduated from high school, so my entire childhood was pretty nomadic. Prior to coming to Clarksville, I spent 17 years in Cleveland, OH. That's the longest I ever lived anywhere, so that is home in many ways.


How long have you been in Clarksville? What brought you to Clarksville?
I have been in Clarksville for two years. I came here to take on my current role at Hope Pregnancy Center.


Tell us about your family.
My family is actually the reason I applied for the job here in Clarksville. I have one brother, and he lives in White House, TN, with his wife and three sons. I was kind of tired of only getting to be 'Aunt Martha' once a year. Being close by has been such a blessing. Our parents also recently relocated to middle Tennessee from Maryland. This is the first time in 24 years that we have all lived in one state!


What do you like most about Clarksville?
I really enjoy being in a military community again. I love the richness of being in a place with life-long locals, short term transplants, and many people who have chosen to make Clarksville their home after being in lots of other places. The diversity is wonderful.


If you could have any other profession/dream job what would it be?
I really have my dream job right now. I love what Hope Pregnancy Center does, and I think I have the best job at the center! I get to write, speak and develop relationships with all kinds of people and organizations throughout our region. It's really fun for me. But if I HAD to do something else? I would probably become a graphic designer. I am very creative, and love when I get to do any kind of design work with logos, brochures, newsletters and things like that. Or maybe write that book I've always thought was in me somewhere...


What is your favorite meal?
Good Mexican food is a weakness of mine. Fish tacos are my favorite!


What is the easiest and most difficult part of your job every day?
Easiest? Working with our great team here. We have a talented and dedicated staff. Their excellence makes my job really easy.
Most difficult? When there is a client with a need we cannot meet, that's hard. We know we're not called to meet every need that's presented to us, but usually we can at least point someone in a direction where they are likely to get the help they need. But in that rare case when someone's unique circumstances don't fit the resources available, it makes me feel so helpless.


What do you drive?
A little red Chevy Cobalt.


What’s your favorite movie or TV show?
My favorite movie of all time is Hunt for Red October – I watch it a couple times every year. My current favorite TV show is Castle. I'm also a big fan of So You Think You Can Dance (mostly because I don't think I can dance!).


Who do you look up too? Who is your role model?
I really admire people who are comfortable in their own skin. They know their strengths, and they walk in them without being arrogant. They also know their weaknesses, but don't spend a lot of time feeling bad about them. I know and admire several people like this... my mother, a particular member of my Board, a colleague in Cleveland, a couple I know through short term missions work in Ukraine.


What has been the toughest challenge you’ve had to overcome in your life?
In 2004, my best friend and mentor died suddenly. She was actually the Director at the pregnancy center where I worked in Cleveland. It was particularly challenging because we were involved in so many of the same things – same workplace, same social circle, same church, same community organizations. I grieved personally, with her family, with my church, as well as navigating the challenges of taking on her leadership role at the center. I learned so much during that time in my life... I grew as a leader, and as a person. And I gained so much compassion for people who are grieving. Everyone grieves in their own way, at their own pace, and the kindest thing we can do for them is allow them their own process.


What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now? How would you like your life to look 10 years from now?
Hmmm... It's hard for me to think that far ahead! Quite possibly, I'll be doing the same thing. I imagine I will always be connected to pregnancy center ministry in some way, whether as a staff member or a volunteer.


Have you ever been issued a speeding ticket?
Um, yes... earlier this month, actually. But it was the first one in a decade or more.


Why did you choose your current profession?
Truthfully, I didn't choose it. When I started in pregnancy ministry, I thought I would work as an Administrative Assistant for a couple years and then “get a real job”. I actually tried for a number of years to find my niche elsewhere. It actually took about 10 years for me to finally get comfortable with the idea that I was really called to do what I found myself doing. So, I guess you could say my current profession chose me, in a way. Although, I believe it was God who orchestrated the circumstances to reveal His calling on my life.


Where did you go to school and what did you study?
Northern Arizona University, Bachelor of General Studies (yes, that's a real degree... it's what they recommended to students who didn't know what they wanted to do when they grew up!)


When and to where was your last vacation?
This fall I spent a few days in Gatlinburg. I hadn't been there since 1990. The mountains were beautiful, trees changing, gorgeous weather. I actually saw two black bears while hiking. So cool.


What is your favorite pastime or hobby?
I love to read. I enjoy theater, movies, concerts.


What advice can you give others juggling a family and career?
I am single, never married, with no children... I'm probably the least qualified to give advice in that arena!


How do you start your day?
With my Bible. Then breakfast with a bit of morning news programming on TV.


What are you passionate about in life?
Jesus. People. Ministry. Leadership.


What is something most Clarksvillians wouldn’t know about you?
For a very short time in college I worked as a singing gorilla. I think that lasted a month. It was fun, though!


If you could leave one message to the Clarksville community what would it be?
Live thoughtfully. Life is so precious and often spent so casually. Make yours count!



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