José Martínez Joins CPLC

11th Jul 2019

Chicanos Por La Causa is pleased to announce that José Martínez has been named Executive Vice President of Economic Development and joins the executive leadership team responsible for strategic outreach and growth of services within Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. Martínez currently serves as President of Prestamos CDFI, LLC (Prestamos), a Community Development Financial Institution and a subsidiary lending division of CPLC.

As Executive Vice President of Economic Development, Martínez will lead CPLC’s strategy to improve economic conditions in targeted low-income communities by providing investments and services that lead to job creation and economic prosperity.  Martínez’ new role will include oversight and strategic direction for CPLC’s Opportunity Zone initiative, which will invest in projects that have social and economic impact in underserved communities.

“José is a proven leader who has the experience, talent, and capacity to help position CPLC to maximize opportunities that will meet the growing needs of our communities,” said David Adame, CPLC President and CEO.

Prestamos, a Community Development Entity, has deployed more than $100M in capital to small businesses creating over 2,200 jobs in the southwestern United States.  Under Martínez’ leadership, Prestamos has tripled its annual lending, deploying more than $80M in the last seven years. Most recently, Martínez’ efforts led to the U.S. Department of Treasury's CDFI Fund to award $30M in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC).

”As a longtime advocate for comprehensive community development, I recognize that positive economic change is not possible without significant financial investments aligned with community needs.” says Martínez. ”I am excited about my new role to drive new investments and programming in economically distressed communities”

Prior to his role as President of Prestamos, Martínez has dedicated the last 20 years working at CPLC in a number of capacities including leading strategic initiatives, resource development, information technology, education, and social services.  Martínez holds both a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and a Master in Business Administration from Arizona State University.

Martínez succeeds Mr. John Ramirez, who under Adame’s leadership, will oversee the Office of the President’s Special Projects.