Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer Appoints Multicultural Affairs Director

January 11, 2012 – ORLANDO, FL - Building on his commitment to serve Central Florida’s increasingly diverse community, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announces the appointment of Luis M. Martinez as Multicultural Affairs Director for the City of Orlando.

“The Hispanic community is the fastest growing minority group in our City, which enormously influences the local economy through their purchasing power, the diversification of the workforce and the establishment of minority-owned businesses,” said Mayor Dyer. “Based on these factors, we felt it was important to establish a new position that gives a stronger voice and better serves our diverse community. I am confident that as the Multicultural Affairs Director, Luis will add to our team and continue providing first class services to all our City’s residents.”

As the Multicultural Affairs Director, Martinez will develop strategies to enhance the engagement of the Hispanic community, businesses and residents with City government; coordinate international business projects to encourage investments, business relocation and expansion from Latin America to Orlando; and to oversee the Hispanic Office for Local Assistance (HOLA).

Since 2006, the HOLA office has provided valuable information and referral services to new residents and families to our community, connecting them with more than 140 government and community organizations to find jobs, housing, healthcare services, educational opportunities and many other resources. Each year, the HOLA office provides assistance, education and information to approximately 15,000 individuals and families through personal visits, fairs, seminars, training, and exhibits and the bilingual, information phone line. Day-to-day operations of the HOLA Office will continue to be overseen by Alicia Ramirez, Coordinator & Hispanic Affairs Advisor for the HOLA Office, who has served in this capacity since the program’s inception in 2006.

"I am very proud to have Mr. Luis Martinez joining our team,” said District 2 City Commissioner Tony Ortiz. “Luis is one of our rising stars and I am confident he will work with our government and community with a great sense of ethics and professionalism."

Proceeding to this appointment, Martinez served as Director of Marketing and Recruitment for Ana G. Mendez University System from 2007 to 2011 and last year was appointed as Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Chancellor’s Office of this institution. During this period of time he managed and developed innovative recruitment activities, public relations strategies and strong community ties toward maximizing the university public image and increasing the diverse student population. He also was a board member of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, where he collaborated in the coordination of special events, marketing activities and business development initiatives.

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