Govan A. Martin, III, is the founding member and chairman of the Suicide Prevention Alliance. His passion and dedication to suicide prevention stems from the loss of his brother, Michael, to suicide in January 1980.

Beginning in 2006, Govan started volunteering in state committees designed to prevent suicide in Pennsylvania. He realized that by sharing his story or 'starting the conversation' of the loss of his brother to suicide, he could make an impact for those who are Loss Survivors (someone who has lost a family member or friend to suicide) and more importantly, help those who are having thoughts of suicide by 'connecting through hope.'  Govan strives to create a culture of change on how society views suicide by advocating for awareness and training in suicide prevention and mental health.

After serving 29 years with the Pennsylvania State Police, Govan retired in 2012. He is currently a Master Trainer in QPR (Question Persuade Refer), a certified instructor for ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), a certified instructor in CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) for the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF), and is a member of the Law Enforcement Committee of the American Association of Suicidology. Govan conducts many different trainings concerning suicide prevention and Co-Facilitates a Loss Survivor Group.