Social Advocates for Youth names new ED

The board of directors of Social Advocates for Youth have announced the appointment of Matt Martin as the agency’s new executive director. Martin joined SAY in 2008 as the director of Community Resource Development, and has served as the agency’s interim executive director since September of 2010. Prior to this position, he worked as the director of operations for the Boys and Girls Club of Marin and Southern Sonoma Counties.

“Matt Martin is the ideal person to lead Social Advocates for Youth into the future, Matt’s leadership and commitment to helping those who need it most will enable SAY to continue helping Sonoma County youth and families grow stronger,” said Bob Casanova, MFT and president of the board of directors.

Martin brings 15 years of youth development experience to the role. Trained as a school teacher, Martin’s experience includes teaching for the Oakland Unified School District, running Bay Area youth programs, directing operations at Boys & Girls Clubs of Petaluma, and facilitating SAY’s fund development department. Martin brings a youth-centered perspective to planning and operations. Regarding fundraising, Martin “focuses on friendships, not profits. People matter most, whether it is those who we serve or those who make the service possible.”