Richard O. Martinez – Chair
Engineering

Richard O. Martinez is chief of the Future Forces Division at the White Sands Missile Range Materiel Test Directorate. He is a licensed professional engineer and has worked at Martin Marietta Aerospace, White Sands Missile Range, Fort Bliss and the Pentagon.

Mr. Martinez graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He was a founding member of the UTEP chapter of the Society of Mexican American Engineers and Scientists (MAES) and remains active in the El Paso and White Sands chapters. He has held many positions in MAES at the local and national levels, including national president.

Mr. Martinez continues to work with UTEP. He is president of the Alumni Board and a member of the Mechanical Engineering Industry Advisory Council and the School of Engineering Advisory Board. He is also a member of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Hispanic Employment Program Manager at White Sands Missile Range.

Many organizations have recognized Mr. Martinez as a leader and a role model. He is the recipient of the 2001 McDonald’s Hispanos Triunfadores Award, the 2004 National Association of Hispanic Federal Employees Civilian Meritorious Award, the 2007 MAES Excelencia Award, three U.S. Army Medal of Service Awards, and several others.

Mr. Martinez is serving his second term on the Public Service Board, which expires December 31, 2010.