John Martinez, MDRC’s Director of Program Development, has been elected as a vice president of the Policy Council for the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM). Previously, he served as an institutional member representative to the APPAM Policy Council and chaired APPAM’s Diversity Committee for the past four years. 

“We’re delighted to continue to work with John in an even closer capacity on the Executive Committee of the Policy Council,” said Tara Sheehan, APPAM Executive Director. “He’s been integral to APPAM’s success in many areas, particularly in helping further our diversity efforts and create the Equity & Inclusion Fellowships, which, to date, have been awarded to more than 100 underrepresented policy students. John is unfailingly generous with his time and passionate about our mission.  We’re so excited to see what he can accomplish in his time as vice president.”

“I am thrilled to continue my work with APPAM in this new role,” said Martinez. “It is an important organization focused on improving public policy and management, and I look forward to working with my APPAM colleagues in advancing that mission.”

Martinez, who joined MDRC in 1997, is an expert in project incubation and start-up. As Director of Program Development, Martinez plays a key role in new program development across MDRC’s five policy areas and oversees MDRC’s grants management and funder relations functions. Martinez has also previously served on the board of directors of the National Youth Employment Coalition and was its board chair from 2013 to 2018.

Before joining MDRC, Martinez conducted research in a substance abuse treatment center and in a community health center with patients with schizophrenia. He began his career as a food stamp eligibility worker. Martinez holds a master of public health degree from Columbia University.