Just after another successful year in which $58.9 million was raised for United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA), John Martin, Senior Vice President of Resource Development, was named Top Development Officer of the year by the Birmingham Business Journal.
Martin said the award means a lot to him personally and to UWCA. “Fundraising is hard work, and I’m so happy to be able to receive this recognition of me and my team,” Martin said. “But it also speaks to the work of so many others who make up United Way, from donors and volunteers to our operational staff. Without them, we couldn’t make our case to the community.”
Since joining UWCA in 2012, Martin has helped the organization raise approximately $500 million. Serving as both a strategist and motivator, he leads a staff of 28 and about 200 volunteers. Some of the largest companies in our area rely on him and his team to help them develop strategies that advance their social responsibility efforts, charitable giving and volunteer engagement among their employees.
Martin has been integral in launching UWCA’s Young Philanthropists Society and J. Mason Davis Leadership Society, donor networks designed to bring like-minded changemakers together for the greater good. And, under his leadership, UWCA’s Tocqueville Society, consisting of United Way donors contributing $10,000 or more annually, became the largest in the country.
Prior to his work at UWCA, Martin worked as the Assistant Executive Director for Constructores Para Cristo, a small nonprofit on the US/Mexico border that hosted church groups who built about 40 houses a year for those in need. This human service experience ignited his passion for nonprofit work, which goes beyond eight to five.
Martin was a founding board member of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Birmingham, eventually becoming President. He has served in various capacities for the Rotary Club of Birmingham Sunrise, and is currently the President-. He also serves on the Independent Presbyterian Church Foundation Board of Directors.
When not raising millions of dollars to help those in need, you can find Martin and his family attending community events, fundraisers and cheering on local teams at sporting events. His multifaceted involvement sets him apart as a dynamic leader dedicated to helping build a stronger, more vibrant community for us all.