He's set to take over his new role Nov. 1, becoming the organization's fifth executive director.
Martin, a Hamilton native, has been involved with the CYO through mentoring and facilitating multiple leadership development programs as well as participating in camp and sports experiences as a student, volunteer and staff member over the last 20 years.
“This is one of the greatest honours of my life and I would like to thank the Catholic Youth Organization board of directors for putting their faith in me and giving me the opportunity to take up the role of executive director,” Martin said in a statement. “The CYO has played a significant part in my life since I was a child. This agency has helped shape my outlook on life by motivating me to volunteer, serve those in need and help inspire the leaders our society will need today and tomorrow.”
An alumnus of the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board with a degree in criminology at the University of Windsor, Martin is slated to bring a wealth of experience in government relations and extensive knowledge of project management, community outreach and fundraising to the team.
Martin will follow John Spatazzo as executive director, a position he has held since 2007. Spatazzo recently announced his retirement on the back of a 38-year career with the agency, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
“I am confident that the future of the CYO is in the hands of a great leader,” Spatazzo said. “It has been a privilege and an honour to serve the CYO and all the young people associated with the agency. I can proudly say it is time for me to step down and allow the agency to move to the next chapter.”
The respect is shared between the current and soon-to-be director, with Martin giving due praise and thanks to his predecessor as he prepares to assume the role this fall.
“It cannot go without mentioning, the outgoing executive director, John Spatazzo. Through his faith, incredible work ethic and the dedication of the entire agency’s team, the CYO has served tens of thousands of youth and community members in need, delivering a positive, lasting impact in the lives of many,” he said. “I will work tirelessly to build on his legacy so youth in our community can receive the same experience and opportunities that I benefited from in my own life.”
Martin will take the rest of the summer to prepare for his duties where he hopes to continue amplifying the work of the staff and providing for the youth of Hamilton.
“I look forward to working with the outstanding CYO team and our community partners, building on the success they have all worked incredibly hard to achieve throughout the agency’s existence,” he said.
Since its inception in the late 1950s, the CYO has served children, teens and families through its various programs and services, such as by providing training and resources to parish youth ministries, granting various youth ministry, camping, outdoor education and athletics opportunities and creating equal opportunities for all children regardless of social or economical status.