The National Latino Farmers and Ranchers Trade Association (NLFR) proudly announces that Anthony U. Martinez, NLFR Chair and President, has been selected to join the University of Chicago’s prestigious Leadership & Society Initiative (LSI) Fellowship. This fellowship brings together world-class leaders to envision their next impactful chapter, engaging them in rigorous scholarship, self-reflection, and a commitment to addressing pressing societal challenges.

Anthony U. Martinez’s inclusion in LSI’s second cohort of Fellows underscores NLFR’s dedication to advancing sustainable and equitable agriculture practices, particularly for underserved Latino communities. The LSI Fellowship offers seasoned professionals an environment to explore their life’s work and develop a Purpose Plan, crafted to inspire positive change in their fields. The University of Chicago’s LSI program draws on the university’s commitment to liberal arts as well as the unique perspectives of an accomplished, globally diverse cohort, aiming to elevate each leader’s transformative potential.

Martinez’s distinguished background spans over 40 years in education, economic development, and mediation. He has served as Assistant Provost and Assistant Vice President at Arizona State University and Assistant Vice President in the University of California Systemwide Offices, where he developed groundbreaking initiatives in higher education, business law, and strategic management. He holds a Juris Doctorate from UC Berkeley Law and is a certified mediator, bringing extensive experience in conflict resolution across sectors.

A retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, Martinez has dedicated his post-military career to championing educational advancement and economic development across U.S. and global communities, with a particular focus on supporting Latino, Asian, and Native American populations. He has actively collaborated with the Navajo Nation and has served on NLFR’s Board of Directors since 2020, driving the organization’s mission to support Latino farmers and ranchers in building resilient, sustainable agricultural communities.

“We are thrilled to see Anthony’s lifetime of service and leadership recognized by this fellowship,” said Manny Rosales, a long-time Board member at NLFR. “His vision and dedication align perfectly with LSI’s mission of empowering leaders to impact society meaningfully, and his work with NLFR will only be enhanced through his engagement with the University of Chicago.”

“Mr. Martinez’s selection for the University of Chicago’s LSI Fellowship is not only a testament to his exemplary leadership and decades of service, but also represents a meaningful opportunity to further amplify NLFR’s work in building sustainable and equitable agricultural communities,” said Attorney Jordan D. Howlette, General Counsel for NLFR. “Mr. Martinez’s unique blend of experience in law, education, and community development has been instrumental in advancing NLFR’s mission. As NLFR’s chief legal advisor, I am confident that Mr. Martinez’s participation in this prestigious fellowship will bring valuable insights and perspectives that will strengthen our advocacy for underserved and marginalized groups in the farming and ranching community.”

For more information about the Leadership & Society Initiative and this year’s LSI Fellows, please visit: https://leadforsociety.uchicago.edu/meet-current-lsi-fellows/