Marty Martinez has been selected as the City’s new chief Health and Human Services, and will begin his position on Jan. 8, according to a press release.
Martinez will fill the position formerly held by Felix G. Arroyo, who was fired over sexual harassment allegations.
The Health and Human Services Cabinet promotes health and well-being of the City’s residents, particularly the most vulnerable, by providing social, recreational, health and support services to city residents. The Cabinet enforces all antidiscrimination laws and protections under the jurisdiction of the City, and advocates for the advancement of policies and legislation.
“Marty Martinez has spent his life serving residents and their communities,” said Mayor Walsh, according to the press release. “I’m proud he will continue that work with the City of Boston. From creating youth programs at BCYF Centers, to creating welcoming spaces for Boston’s immigrant population, to keeping our City healthy and safe through the Boston Public Health Commission, Marty will take on a leading role in ensuring a thriving, equitable Boston for all, and I look forward to having him on our team and accomplishing even more.”
Martinez has worked in and around Boston for over 20 years, and is currently President and Chief Executive Officer for Mass Mentoring Partnership (MMP), where he has been growing program services since 2007. The City of Boston joined forces with Mass Mentoring Partnership in 2014, two years after Martinez was named CEO. Mayor Walsh worked with Martinez to create the Mayor’s Mentoring Movement, an initiative to increase the number of relationships for youth in Boston.
Martinez also currently serves as an Advisory Council member for My Brother’s Keeper – Boston, an academic mentor at Burke High School, and as a member of the City of Boston Scholarship Committee.
Before MMP, Martinez held senior positions at the Boston AIDS Consortium, the Regional Center for Healthy Communities at Mount Auburn Hospital, and the City of Somerville, where he led youth services.
As the Chief of Health and Human Services, Martinez will oversee several departments and offices, including the Boston Public Health Commission, Office of Recovery Services, Boston Centers for Youth & Families, Veterans Services, Fair Housing & Equity, the Disability Commission, the Commission for the Elderly, the Office of Fair Housing and Equity, the Mayor’s Office of Food Access, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Advancement and the Mayor’s Office of Women’s Advancement.
“I am excited to step into this role and help lead the important and bold work to be done on the HHS front to support all residents of Boston,” said Martinez, according to the press release. “Helping to implement the Mayor’s vision for our City through Boston Centers for Youth & Families, the Office of Immigrant Advancement, the Boston Public Health Commission and so many more services and programs will be an impactful challenge and one that I am excited to take on. I thank Mayor Walsh for this opportunity, and look forward to getting started.”