Francisco Martinez is an innovative, strategic thinker and seasoned communicator with over a decade of experience in philanthropy, communications, nonprofit development, community advocacy, event and program planning. He currently serves as Communications Manager for Lever for Change, a non-profit affiliate of the MacArthur Foundation that's driving a $1.5 billion shake-up in the world of philanthropy. 

Relationship-driven and collaborative, Francisco leverages a diverse background and experience across nonprofit, philanthropy, communications, social impact, ESG (environmental, social, governance), fundraising, public affairs, and venture capital. He has supported over 400 nonprofit organizations nationally and spent more than a decade helping transform nonprofits through grants, messaging, strategic planning, and problem-solving. Francisco excels as a translator who can distill the complex and craft memorable messaging. He brings ideation, deep empathy, and strong analytical skills to help individuals and communities be more efficient, effective, and equity-oriented. As a first-generation immigrant and Salvadoran American, he is also passionate about working to create a more just and equitable world - not only in his work but also through mentoring and volunteering.

Francisco earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Gies College of Business, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and holds B.A.s in International Studies and History from the University of Illinois. A 2019 Aspen Ideas Fellow, he sits on the Board of Directors for the University of Illinois Latina/Latino Alumni Association (LLAA). A married father of two, he has traveled extensively, and is a multidisciplinary artist who loves to paint and work with graphite, mosaics, and photography.