Director - Region 5 Midwest
Regional Term expires 10/27

Pedro Martinez is CEO of Chicago Public Schools. Born in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Martinez came to Chicago with his family at age 5 in search of a better life and he credits the education he received in the district’s schools with changing the trajectory of his life. He was the first in his family to graduate from high school and college, and he chose to dedicate his life to education.

Martinez has more than 30 years of experience in the private, nonprofit, and public education sectors and a track record of creating comprehensive, multi-year solutions that advance racial equity and economic mobility. 

Martinez previously served as superintendent of the San Antonio Independent School District, superintendent in residence for the Nevada Department of Education, and superintendent for the Washoe County School District in Nevada.

A data-driven leader with in-depth knowledge of academic reform strategies, he believes with the right supports, students can and will rise to any challenge, and that by setting the bar high, many more young people will demonstrate the aptitude and aspiration to perform at higher levels and be well-prepared for success in college, career, and civic life.