Joseph S. Martz, commonly known as Joe Martz, is an American executive and former public official. He serves as the chief executive officer (CEO) and chairman of the board of directors of Merakey, a nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia that provides community‑based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, and special education requirements.
Early life and education
Martz earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Pennsylvania State University. He later obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Saint Joseph’s University.
Public sector career
- Secretary of the Pennsylvania Office of Administration (2005–2007) – Appointed by Governor Edward G. Rendell, Martz oversaw statewide productivity initiatives that generated over $100 million in savings and improved operational efficiency.
- Managing Director of the City of Philadelphia – In this role he supervised a workforce of approximately 20,000 employees and managed an annual operating budget of roughly $2.75 billion. He also served as chief operating officer for the city, overseeing daily operations of its thirteen operating departments, and held prior positions as deputy commissioner of public property and first deputy managing director.
Private sector experience
- Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Government Solutions Division, ACS Corporation – Led the division, which became the largest information‑technology and business‑process‑outsourcing provider to local governments in North America during his tenure.
- Held senior leadership roles at PRWT Services, Inc., directing operations related to red‑light camera and photo‑radar enforcement, parking violations processing, emergency‑medical‑services billing, and parking‑management consulting for municipalities domestically and abroad.
Current role and affiliations
- CEO and Chairman, Merakey – Under his leadership, Merakey expands its service network across multiple states, delivering behavioral‑health, intellectual‑and‑developmental‑disability, and educational services.
- Serves as an executive director of the Girard Estate Trust, a director of the American Red Cross Southeast Pennsylvania Chapter, and has been a director of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau since December 2007.
References
- “Joe Martz – Secretary of Administration.” Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (archived).
- Merakey leadership profile, Merakey.org.
- Wikipedia entry for Joe Martz (accessed 2024).
