Board Leadership - Alejandro Martinez

Alejandro Martinez

President & CEO
Lakeland Hills Family YMCA

A mission-focused leader with nearly 30 years of management experience in nonprofit, government, youth development and healthcare organizations, Alex Martinez’s comprehensive experience spans strategic planning & execution, operations management, program development, community outreach, and government relations.

Alex was appointed President & Chief Executive Officer of the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA in September 2020. The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is a non-profit community service organization serving eleven municipalities throughout Morris County. It has been in continuous operation since 1972 catering to more than 5,000 families in the communities of Boonton, Boonton Township, Butler, Denville, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Montville, Mountain Lakes, Parsippany, Pequannock, and Riverdale.

Formerly the Chief Operating Officer of the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey, Alex was responsible for the executive leadership of several key departments that included Program Services, Membership, Customer Care, Volunteer Services. Administration, Property and Finance representing $9.1 Million in total revenues, over 26,000 girl members and 13,000 adult volunteers.   In his position he provided counsel to the CEO on strategy, human resources and fund development matters as required.  He led the implementation of a growth strategy that fundamentally changed the operations of GSNNJ introducing new technologies and methods of engagement for girls, volunteers and Girl Scout families

Prior to becoming Chief Operating Officer, he was the Chief of Staff and right hand to the CEO of United Way of New York City, Alex was recruited back to the organization in 2008 to architect a five-year strategic plan aimed at strengthening the organization in all areas. In a true test of his leadership abilities, Alex charted the course for change, built consensus, and forged agreements among his department heads to achieve aggressive goals, culminating in several projects that shaped the organization's work. Highlights of his tenure to date include:

After completing a BA in Public Administration & Economics at Fordham University and a Master of Public Administration at Columbia University, Alex joined the American Museum of Natural History in 1998 where he co-designed and implemented a sustainable government and community relations strategy that increased funding from the City by 81%.