BOSTON – Marty Martinez today begins his new role as President and CEO at United Way of Massachusetts Bay, leading the United Way’s work to respond to rapid changes at the federal level impacting communities across the region and eradicate the conditions that lead to poverty. Martinez brings a wealth of experience in navigating complex public challenges, including having provided key leadership in the City of Boston’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  
 
“Uncertainty at the federal level is affecting our neighbors, community-based organizations, government and businesses, and has the potential to slow down philanthropy and the progress we are making in our region,” Martinez said. “United Way and its network of community-based organizations were built for the urgent work needed now to ensure our partners have the resources they need to serve families and the workforce that power healthy and prosperous communities. We will not stand for a pause in the progress we have made together.” 

Over the past two months, United Way of Massachusetts Bay has hosted weekly response calls to discuss how Massachusetts is responding to federal policies that impact communities. More than 250 non-profit partners and stakeholders have joined the weekly call to share with policy makers and local, state and federal officials the kind of support they need to ensure stability and maintain services to meet community needs. 

Partners have shared that, across the region, individuals and families are struggling with spiking costs of living and facing mounting uncertainty around job security, housing stability, childcare and educational access. Flexible, unrestricted resources provided by United Way to its community partners is cited as one of the key contributors to stability for the sector as it faces tremendous uncertainty in changes to federal funding policies and priorities.  

The Board of Directors of United Way of Massachusetts Bay announced the selection of Martinez as new President and CEO in late January. Martinez has over 25 years of experience working on behalf of children and families in the Greater Boston area and has a proven track record of effectively tackling some of the most pressing issues facing communities. His professional experiences include serving in local, state and national leadership roles, including as the CEO of national nonprofit organization Reach Out and Read and as the City of Boston’s Chief of Health and Human Services. Martinez also previously served as President and CEO at Mass Mentoring Partnership, a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to growing and expanding opportunities for youth and young adults through empowering mentoring and developmental relationships with adults.  

In addition to his professional experiences, Martinez serves on a number of civic and nonprofit advisory councils and boards working to strengthen the social fabric of our communities. He is a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Latino Empowerment, a member of the Health Equity Compact, and serves on the Board of Victory Programs.  

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About United Way of Massachusetts Bay 
 
With nearly 90 years of local impact in eastern Massachusetts, UWMB works with and for communities to build economic prosperity, bringing together individuals, community leaders, corporate partners, legislators, and organizations to build a powerful engine of change. UWMB has deep relationships with a broad network of partners on the ground. This positions the organization to quickly raise and deploy resources when and where they are needed most, especially in times of crisis.