Mel Martinez is chairman of the Southeast U.S. and Latin America for JPMorgan Chase & Co.

After more than a decade of public service, Martinez joined JPMorgan Chase in July 2010. Based in Florida, he represents the firm to clients throughout the Americas – from individuals and businesses to large corporations, governments and nonprofit organizations.

Martinez was elected to the United States Senate in 2004. Representing Florida, Martinez served on several committees including Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs and Armed Services. While serving in the Senate, Martinez 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 (HUD). 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.

In addition to his role with JPMorgan Chase, he is actively involved on housing policy reform discussions as co-chair of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Housing Commission. Martinez also serves on the boards of Marriott Vacations Worldwide as Lead Director and NVR, Inc.

Martinez and his wife, Kitty, reside in Orlando; they have three children and five grandchildren.

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