Carlos Martinez (NC ’08) was recently named the new executive director of Rockland Independent Living Center’s BRiDGES, a non-profit agency (Building Relationships Investing in Diversity Genuinely Empowering Self) dedicated to providing leadership, advocacy and support services to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities.
“On behalf of the BRiDGES Board of Directors, we are so very pleased and excited about our new Executive Director, Carlos Martinez. Carlos completely embodies the BRiDGES mission and has a depth of understanding of the needs of the people served. Carlos always demonstrates a dedication and commitment to our organization and I know he will lead us in accomplishing great things,” said Board Chair Patricia Ranieri.
Carlos joined BRiDGES in 2010 as the assistant director of the Personal Assistance Self-directed Employers of Rockland (PASER) program and most recently served as its director of operations. He is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with more than a decade of experience in human services. The Nyack social work major, who also earned a master’s degree at Fordham University, commented, “Disability is a natural part of our human existence and it is our responsibility as an organization to step in and remove physical and psychological barriers that impede people from living independently in the community.”
Carlos and his wife, Ami, a School of Education (NC ’07; NC ’13) alumna, serve on the leadership team of Risen King Alliance Church in New City, NY. He is the ministry’s treasurer; she is the children’s ministry director. They are also members of the Risen King worship team.