He currently lives and works in the San Joaquin Valley where he's the assistant superintendent for school leadership with Fresno Unified School District. He has already spent several days in May and June in Sacramento meeting with Twin Rivers' staff and community members and sitting in on all-day interviews for new principals and other district administrators. The days are long but worth the six-to-seven hour round trip drive between Fresno and Sacramento.

Martinez grew up in Fresno and graduated from Fresno High School. He obtained a bachelor's degree in chemistry and a master of education in cross cultural teaching. He then went on to earn a doctorate in educational leadership from California State University, Fresno.

Martinez began his career as a math and science teacher. He has been a principal, assistant principal, deputy principal, coach, learning director and, for the past four years, an assistant superintendent.

"What made this job so appealing - first and foremost - the demographics," says Martinez. "It's a very diverse school district with some high poverty areas, a lot of different needs and different types of students, and that actually drew me to the position. I just really thought about how much opportunity there is to truly make a difference for students and staff, to build a community, to develop a pre-kindergarten through adult education system, and develop a strong identity for Twin Rivers and the communities we serve.

"Considering my background - my parents didn't graduate from high school, and I was one of the first in my family to go to college - I believe I bring a different perspective to the superintendent's position, one where I can take theory and practice and put them into action. But, I also understand the background and the issues that our students and parents face daily."

School board member Linda Fowler says she's pleased with the board's decision to hire Martinez. His wide range of experience - 15 years in education - stood out during the long selection process, which included six community and three employee forums, a 14-member selection committee, interviews and a site visit. 

"Dr. Martinez is the right fit for Twin Rivers," says Fowler. "He is absolutely focused on children and that's what we need. When I was reading his application, I was impressed with what he has done in Clovis and Fresno. Everything came back to focusing on kids and their achievements."

"He met all the qualifications our community wanted," adds board member Michael Baker. "I'm excited. I think he's going to have an immediate impact on our district."

"He's a collaborator and I see in him a great leader," says school board member Rebecca Sandoval. "What is very impressive to me is what happened when he was principal at Clovis East High School. Under his leadership, the school was recognized as a California State Distinguished School within one year after he got there. And in two years, Clovis East was a National Blue Ribbon school."

His record of boosting student success continued in Fresno Unified School District. Martinez was a key part of the team that increased the district's graduation rate by 4 percent, increased the number of students taking AP (Advanced Placement) courses during the past three years, and the number of students accepted at four-year colleges. 

Those who know him say his positive attitude and passion for his work shine through every single day. 

"He is a doer, a motivator," says Lori Gambero, director of campus culture at Fresno Unified. "He works with adults to give them resources in educating the whole student and does not settle for mediocrity in himself or allow it in his staff and students ... as my mentor, he always reminded me that every decision must be in the best interest of students."

Hopes are high in Twin Rivers that Martinez will exceed what he accomplished in Clovis and Fresno - that he will clearly define how the district will change for the better and become a district of choice for approximately 30,000 students.   

Martinez says he's up for the challenge. He exudes a quiet confidence, as well as a great deal of joy when he talks about the many opportunities to improve student achievement, increase graduation rates, and rebuild trust and teamwork within the district and the community. 

"I have the belief that all students can do great things, and everywhere I go in the district I will expect that same belief. I hold myself accountable to the highest degree. I'm here to serve students, the community, and to ensure that we provide a quality and excellent education to all students. In the end, I want Twin Rivers to be recognized as a school district that goes above and beyond to do what's best for kids," says Martinez.

That message has resonated around the district.

"He's a positive person who is all about students," says Craig Murray, executive director of secondary education in Twin Rivers. "I'm looking forward to working with him. From the reception he received when he was introduced at our leadership meeting, everyone is excited to have him on board as well."