Francisco Martinez is an innovative and strategic leader in philanthropy and nonprofit development. With over 15 years of experience, Francisco has expertly navigated the complexities of communications, philanthropy, and social impact, focusing on empowering nonprofit organizations and driving transformative change globally.

Francisco's tenure in philanthropy was marked by his transformative role in managing and strategically communicating large-scale grants. He steered more than $2.5 billion in funding to catalyze social change across numerous global initiatives. His strategic insights and leadership significantly enhanced the capacity and effectiveness of over 550 organizations, empowering them to implement scalable solutions to critical societal issues. His innovative approaches to grant-making have reshaped how resources are mobilized to maximize impact, making a profound and enduring mark on the philanthropic landscape.

Francisco's passion for strategic excellence and community empowerment is matched by his commitment to social equity. As a first-generation Salvadoran American, he brings a deep understanding of multicultural dynamics, which he leverages to enhance organizational and community capacities. His approach is deeply rooted in cultural competence, promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and effective engagement across diverse groups.

Francisco holds an MBA from the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois, where he also completed his undergraduate studies in International Studies and History. He is a 2019 Aspen Ideas Fellow and actively contributes to various boards, including the University of Illinois Latina/Latino Alumni Association and Nuestro Futuro, a fund aiding the Latino community of Chicago.

LAS ‘09 & GIES ‘23

Current Position: Vice Chair - Vice President

Past Positions: Treasurer (2020-2023), Scholarship Chair, Programming Chair