Mel Martinez

Mel Martinez co-chairs BPC’s Housing Commission and Senior Health and Housing Task Force. He served as a senator from Florida from 2005 to 2009. He is currently the chairman of the Southeast U.S. and Latin America for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Martinez joined JPMorgan Chase in July 2010, and he represents the firm to clients throughout the Americas—from individuals and businesses to large corporations, governments and nonprofit organizations. Martinez also serves on the boards of Marriott Vacations Worldwide as Lead Director and NVR, Inc.

During his time in the Senate, Martinez served on several committees including Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs and Armed Services. He led efforts to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and was a trusted voice on foreign policy issues throughout the Western Hemisphere.

Prior to his time in the Senate, Martinez served as the 12th secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, from 2001 through 2003. As the first Cuban-American to serve in a president’s cabinet, he became known for his efforts to increase homeownership for all Americans and his aggressive efforts to end chronic homelessness.

Martinez also served as mayor of Orange County (Orlando, FL) and he practiced law for 25 years.

He received both his B.S. and J.D. degrees from Florida State University.