In December 2021, the Board of Directors of Hope for Miami selected Mr. J. Martinez as our new CEO. Mr. J. – (also known as “Coach J”) has served in a variety of capacities at Hope for Miami for the past six years and demonstrated his strong leadership skills. He initially came to the agency through Up2US – Coaches Across America in their Veteran’s Initiative that was designed to introduce military vets to civilian life as sports coaches. After he left the U.S. Air Force to study to become a physical education teacher – Up2Us was his introduction to the world of non-profit management.
At Hope for Miami, Mr. J. has served as a Health Educator, Program Manager, Health & Safety Officer, Program Director, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President, successfully tackling each role that prepared him for his latest challenge to lead the entire agency. J.’s favorite job is husband and father to his three children. In his free time, he plays basketball and coaches his 2 sons and daughter on the courts.
Yvonne Sawyer, the Co-Founder of Hope for Miami will remain with the agency as President.