The Honorable Mel Martiniez

Mel Martinez is Chairman of the Southeast U.S. and Latin America for JP Morgan Chase & Co. and serves on JP Morgan Chase's Executive Committee.

After more than a decade of public service, Mel joined JPMorgan Chase in July 2010. Based in Florida, he represents the firm to clients throughout the Americas – from individuals and businesses to large corporations, governments and nonprofit organizations.

Mel was elected to the United States Senate in 2004. Representing Florida as a U.S. Senator, Mel served on the following committees: Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Armed Services (Ranking Member of Sea Power Subcommittee), Foreign Relations, Energy and Natural Resources, Commerce and the Special Committee on Aging (Ranking Member). While serving in the Senate, Mel led efforts to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and was a critical voice on foreign policy issues throughout the Western Hemisphere. 

Prior to his time in the Senate, Mel served as the 12th Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As the first Cuban-American to serve in a President’s cabinet, he became known for his efforts to increase homeownership for all Americans and his aggressive efforts to end chronic homelessness.

Mel also served as Mayor of Orange County (Orlando, FL) and he practiced law for 25 years. He received both his B.S. and J.D. degrees from Florida State University.

In addition to his role with JPMorgan Chase, he is actively involved on housing policy reform discussions as co-chair of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Housing Commission. Mel also serves on the boards of various corporations and civic organizations including Habitat for Humanity International, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition and the Hispanic Leadership Network.

Mel and his wife, Kitty, reside in Orlando; they have three children and four grandchildren.