Kamaal Martin Joins Catalyst as Vice President of Networks and Initiatives

SAN DIEGO, Calif., November 1, 2021 –  Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties (“Catalyst”), a nonprofit network of funding organizations and impact investors in the region, today announced that Kamaal Martin has been named as vice president of Networks and Initiatives. Martin, a former Lemon Grove Mayoral candidate, most recently joins Catalyst from having served as director of advocacy with the California Charter School Association.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kamaal to our dynamic, growing team here at Catalyst,” Megan Thomas, president and CEO said.

The role – last held by Thomas – has remained vacant for the better part of a year as Megan stepped up to the president and CEO role at Catalyst. Under Martin’s leadership, Catalyst will continue to expand its network of action-oriented funders and partners and enhance its role as a platform for collaboration within the social change ecosystem. 

“Kamaal comes to us with a commitment to transformational change in San Diego and Imperial Counties, a breadth of experience in statewide and local policy and advocacy, entrepreneurial action in arts and culture, and a vision for bringing funders together to advance our social change ecosystem,” Megan elaborated.  

Kamaal’s passions are arts and culture, community development finance, improving our local food system, and raising the quality of life throughout the Southern Border Region. 

Before founding San Diego-based social enterprise and consulting firm, Art Power Equity, he built a unique skill set and network through professional experiences including serving as Director of Advocacy (Southern California) with the California Charter School Association, Adjunct Faculty (Political Science) in the San Diego Community College District, Government Relations Specialist with the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, as well as years as a staffer in the California State Assembly, including roles as Field Director, Special Assistant to the Speaker and District Director.

“I’m excited to jump in with the staff, board, and members of Catalyst,” Martin shared. “The organization’s commitment to its values and its reputation as a trusted partner in our region make Catalyst a strong fit for me personally and professionally,” Martin said. 

A graduate of the University of Oregon, with a B.A. in History and an M.A. in International Studies, he’s served on the boards or advisory groups of numerous community organizations including serving on the board of directors with Project New Village and Somali Youth United and having served as former chair of the NAACP San Diego’s Political Action Committee. Kamaal lives in Lemon Grove, CA, with his partner and two teenage daughters.

Catalyst members: Please join us in welcoming Kamaal to our vibrant network by dropping him a note here.