Dr. Daniel P. Martinez

SABJ 40 under 40 | Executive Leader | Entrepreneur | Professor | Leadership San Antonio (LSA) 47 | Board Member | Advocate

San Antonio, Texas, United States

About

As a seasoned executive leader, I specialize in leadership development, strategic planning, governance, and community centered impact within nonprofit and mission-driven organizations. My work focuses on helping nonprofits start strong, stabilize operations, and scale sustainably aligning purpose, people, and performance to drive lasting change. An instrumental achievement of mine was architecting a comprehensive, organization-wide strategic plan from inception to execution, addressing critical operational needs within the American Red Cross while advancing equity, community resilience, and large-scale social impact. I also played a pivotal role in facilitating the appointment of the organization’s inaugural Latina Board Chair, marking a meaningful milestone in inclusive leadership and community representation. In addition to executive leadership, I am the creator of a Nonprofit Organizational Health & Effectiveness Assessment, a practical diagnostic tool designed to help boards and executive teams evaluate maturity across governance, strategy, financial health, leadership, culture, and operational effectiveness. This instrument supports data-informed decision-making, identifies risk and growth opportunities, and provides a clear roadmap for organizational improvement, bridging the gap between mission and management. My academic pursuit culminated in a Doctor of Education in Leadership & Administration, grounding my work in both theory and practice. I bring a systems-thinking lens to nonprofit leadership, drawing on experience in executive management, board development, organizational assessment, and change leadership. I’m eager to connect with mission-driven leaders who are committed to strengthening organizations, advancing equity, and delivering meaningful, measurable impact.

Experience

  • Executive Director at American Red Cross
    Aug 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 11 mos

    Lead and elevate operations for the Greater San Antonio Chapter, serving a population of 2M+ across a highly matrixed organization. Direct and influence a regional budget and drive performance against a multimillion dollar annual fundraising goal. Provide strategic oversight and leadership across a regional workforce and volunteer leaders through a complex, cross-functional reporting structure. Build and sustain mission-driven partnerships and board relationships to expand community impact, enhance organizational visibility, and ensure alignment with national and regional priorities. • Drive growth and community impact through strategic partnerships with civic leaders, corporate partners, and elected officials to advance disaster relief, humanitarian services, and preparedness initiatives. • Architected and implemented the region’s first formal strategic plan to align mission, fundraising, and service delivery goals across departments. • Cultivated and empowered a diverse leadership team, including mentoring and supporting the election of the chapter’s first Latina Board Chair, to better reflect and represent the community. • Serve as a national disaster response leader through the Elected Officials Liaison Network, representing the organization during large-scale emergencies and fostering critical public sector relationships. • Champion a culture of engagement and accountability across a dynamic and matrixed team structure, balancing dotted-line and direct oversight of staff and volunteer leaders.

  • Adjunct Professor at University of the Incarnate Word
    Jan 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 6 mos

    The H-E-B School of Business and Administration at the University of the Incarnate Word prepares future business professionals, entrepreneurs, executives and organizational leaders for thriving, successful careers.

  • Principal Consultant at Strategix360
    Sep 2023 - May 2025 · 1 yr 9 mos

    https://360strategix.com

  • Head of School/President at St. Pius X High School
    Jun 2021 - Jun 2022 · 1 yr 1 mo

    Served as chief executive for a premier Catholic high school with a $16M+ annual operating budget, $11M+ foundation, and oversight of 150 full-time and 80+ part-time employees serving 700 students. Reported directly to the Board of Directors with full P&L accountability, leading strategic, financial, advancement, enrollment, and mission-driven initiatives. Directed a complex educational enterprise through a leadership transition while restoring organizational alignment, community trust, and institutional growth. • Stabilized and re-energized the school through a pivotal transition, re-centering the organization on its mission, values, and charism to enhance culture, retention, and public confidence. • Generated $1.3M+ in new advancement revenue through strategic donor engagement and reinvigorated fundraising operations. • Achieved the largest incoming class in over eight years through focused enrollment management, marketing, and community outreach strategies. • Restructured and professionalized the Advancement Office to optimize donor relations, data management, and fundraising outcomes. • Mitigated reputational risk and ensured regulatory compliance by managing sensitive media issues and reestablishing sound business and operational practices.

  • Principal (Chief Administrative Officer) at St Gregory the Great Catholic School, San Antonio TX
    May 2015 - Jun 2021 · 6 yrs 2 mos

    Served as chief executive for a flagship PK-8 Catholic school with a $6M+ budget, 100 full-time staff, and 550 students. Oversaw all facets of business, operations, academic leadership, fundraising, and facilities management in alignment with the mission and values of the Archdiocese. Reported directly to the pastor and diocesan superintendent, with full accountability for financial sustainability, enrollment growth, programmatic innovation, and campus safety. • Drove significant enrollment and community engagement gains through revitalized branding and marketing initiatives, positioning the school as a premier choice in the region. • Led major programmatic innovations to enhance educational offerings, including launching STEM+, Flex Seating, PK-3, and student wellness programs to meet evolving learner needs. • Implemented South Texas’ first Rapid Response Active Shooter Security System, establishing a new benchmark for school safety and crisis preparedness. • Cultivated a high-performing and mission-driven organizational culture, earning national recognition in the 98th percentile of workplace satisfaction (Energage Top Workplaces, 2021).