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The Edward R. Roybal Award for Outstanding Public Service
a Cuban American, and the former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President George W. Bush.
Melquíades Rafael “Mel” Martínez was born on October 23, 1946 in Sagua La Grande, Cuba. He came to the United States in 1962 at age 15 as part of a Roman Catholic humanitarian effort called ‘Operation Peter Pan’, which brought into the U.S. more than 14,000 children. Catholic charitable groups provided Mel Martinez a temporary home at two separate youth facilities. At the time Martinez was alone and spoke virtually no English. After living in youth group homes, he lived with two foster families, and in 1966 was reunited with his family in Orlando.
Before becoming Secretary of HUD, Martínez served on the Florida Governor's Growth Management Study Commission and previously served as President of the Orlando Utilities Commission, on the board of directors of a community bank, and as Chairman of the Orlando Housing Authority. Serving as co-chairman of George W. Bush's 2000 presidential election campaign in Florida, Martínez was a leading fundraiser. He was one of the 25 electors from Florida, who voted for George W. Bush in the 2000 election. While serving as HUD Secretary, Martinez sat as an ex officio member of the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans.
As a Senator, Martinez served on the Armed Services committee, the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs committee, and the Commerce, Science, and Transportation committee. He also served as the ranking member of the Senate's Special Committee on Aging and the Seapower Subcommittee.
Senator Mel Martinez and his wife Kitty have three children: Lauren Martinez Shea, John Martinez, and Andrew Martinez. They also have three grandchildren.
About the Award
The Edward R. Roybal Award for Outstanding Public Service was established by NALEO in tribute to the organization's founder and on the occasion of NALEO's 25th Anniversary. Selection of this honoree provides an opportunity for Latino elected and appointed officials to recognize the exemplary leadership provided by their colleagues in communities throughout the United States. This award recognizes current or former elected or appointed officials who have distinguished themselves in public office. Throughout their respective advocacy and representation, these elected and appointed officials have advanced and given voice to the interests of their constituents and the Latino community.
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Past Recipients:
2009 Texas State Senator Leticia Van de Putte
2008 New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson
2007 Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Marco Rubio
2006 U.S. Representative Lucille Roybal Allard
2005 Former Speaker of the New Mexico House of Representatives Raymond G. Sanchez
2002 Former Secretary of the Interior & Member of Congress Manuel Lujan
2001 Mayor of San Bernardino, California Judith Valles
2000 Federal Trade Commissioner Gloria Tristani
1998 U.S. Representative Esteban E. Torres
1997 U.S. Representative Henry B. Gonzalez
1996 U.S. Representative Edward R. Roybal
