Board of Directors

In honor of her late husband's legacy, Diane co-founded the Reynaldo Martinez Teacher Inspiration Fund to support Reynaldo Martinez Elementary School, a Title I school in North Las Vegas. As Chair of the Fund's Board of Directors, she remains deeply committed to expanding its reach and impact, providing vital resources, celebrating teacher excellence, and fostering a learning environment where every child can thrive.

Diane is a seasoned real estate investor and developer with a proven track record of successful projects across Virginia, Colorado, and Nevada. Specializing in distressed properties, she has led acquisition, redevelopment, and resale management efforts. With an eye for value, Diane has transformed underperforming properties into high-demand assets. Her strategic approach and deep industry knowledge have allowed her to navigate complex market conditions. Throughout her career, Diane has built a reputation for her ability to identify opportunities, manage projects from start to finish, and drive sustainable growth in the real estate sector.

Alongside her business ventures, Diane has devoted significant time to nonprofit and charitable organizations in Washington, D.C., Fort Collins, CO, and Las Vegas, NV. Drawing on her leadership and organizational expertise, she has played a vital role in boosting their visibility, expanding programming, and strengthening community engagement. Her efforts to repair communication fissures and build bridges within these organizations fostered greater cohesion and resilience.

An accomplished education leader with over 25 years of experience, Mr. Adams has demonstrated expertise in school administration, instructional improvement, and fostering positive school cultures. As a principal in the Clark County School District since 2006, he has enhanced instructional practices, guided school-wide mission development, and implemented initiatives like Leader in Me to promote leadership and social-emotional growth among students and staff. He has been a part of the Community in Schools programs since 2006, and principal at Reynaldo Martinez Elementary, the first CIS school in Southern Nevada.

His tenure includes managing large budgets, improving language acquisition for second-language learners, and streamlining teacher performance evaluations aligned with Nevada standards. Recognized for fostering professional development and building community engagement, they were honored as the 2011 Administrator of the Year by the Clark County School Librarians Association and featured in Eric Jensen's Teaching With Poverty in Mind video series.

With a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor's in Elementary Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, they also hold certifications from the Howard University Executive Leadership Academy and the Public Education Foundation Executive Leadership Cohort. Currently contributing to the UNLV Mentorship Program, they bring a passion for driving academic excellence and inspiring school communities.

Brandon brings both professional expertise and heartfelt dedication to his role as a board member of the Reynaldo Martinez Teacher Inspiration Fund. With a background in emergency management, Brandon understands the value of strategic planning, thorough preparation, and building community resilience—core principles that align perfectly with the Fund's mission to support and uplift teachers and students.

As one of two sons of the late Reynaldo Martinez, Brandon is committed to preserving his father's legacy by working to level the playing field for all students. He is committed to equipping teachers with essential resources to empower all students to recognize their potential. Through fundraising initiatives that promote the Fund's long-term stability, he, along with other board members, focuses on developing robust community partnerships and pursuing innovative strategies to broaden the Fund's impact. Through these efforts, he helps ensure RMTIF continues to make a lasting, positive impact in the North Las Vegas community and beyond for generations to come.

When I was in graduate school, I met Reynaldo and Diane while they were dating in Fort Collins and hosted them for a memorable romantic evening alone at my secluded, one-room, Rocky Mountain wilderness cabin with only candles for light, and a wood stove for cooking and heating, and no indoor plumbing.

After the relationship survived that night (you can get the hilarious story from Diane), it was obvious that they were meant for each other. I fondly remember our week-long bicycle trips frequently interrupted by calls from the senator. And my trip with Reynaldo to Gethsemane Abby in Kentucky to soak up the spirit of Thomas Merton, who was an inspiration to both of us. And my attempt at playing the guitar at their wedding in the living room of Diane's mom in Denver.

Since I was teaching engineering and writing research proposals in Missouri, and meeting with federal agencies in DC to get funding for collaboration with China, Reynaldo graciously let me use his desk in the senator's office as home base while I was in town. Later, as rector of an Episcopal parish in Georgia, I would have long discussions with Reynaldo about theology, Thomas Merton, and also the civil rights movement after we toured Carter's Presidential Library together in Atlanta.

Now, in New York, I'm working on a book project that covers some of the same topics that Reynaldo and I enjoyed discussing. It's an honor to serve on the board that is preserving Reynaldo's passion for teachers and students so that everyone has the chance to succeed and excel through the highest-quality education possible.

Matt serves in honor of his father, Reynaldo Martinez, whose lifelong passion was advocating for teachers and students.

Matt was with his father in his final moments, when Reynaldo spoke clearly about his desire to continue helping teachers—especially those serving in challenging environments. This Fund exists to carry that wish forward. Through it, Matt is committed to honoring his father's legacy while supporting the educators of Reynaldo Martinez Elementary School, whose daily dedication is quietly changing lives.

Professionally, Matt is an entrepreneur and co-owner of multiple OsteoStrong wellness centers, as well as a pilot for Delta Air Lines. He retired after 22 years of service in the United States Air Force, where he flew the F-15. He brings a strategic mindset to the Board, with a particular focus on growing a sustainable endowment that allows the Fund's annual giving to continue in perpetuity—ensuring lasting support for the teachers and students this mission was created to serve.

Alex Ortiz has over 30 years of experience in executive leadership, project management, financial oversight, and legislative support across the private and public sectors. His distinguished career includes over 28 years in Clark County, NV local government, where he managed crucial departmental units, oversaw complex operations, and represented Clark County as a Lobbyist during multiple Nevada Legislative Sessions. Alex is an accomplished, analytical leader with a proven record of enhancing organizational efficiency, streamlining operations, and building robust, multi-stakeholder relationships, demonstrating a profound capacity for policy influence and strategic governance.

Alex's deep commitment to mentorship and community development, particularly in Southern Nevada, is directly aligned with the mission of the Reynaldo Martinez Teacher Inspiration Fund. In the early 2000s, Alex served in key leadership roles as Vice President and Treasurer for the Reynaldo L. Martinez Institute for Leadership and Research. This involvement highlights a sustained dedication to the organization's goals. Alex is also a graduate of Leadership Las Vegas and has contributed extensively to youth development through roles like Coach for the Boys and Girls Club and Co-Director/Counselor for the National Conference for Community and Justice's Camp Anytown. This civic background, combined with his executive experience, makes him an advocate for community progress and ethical leadership.

With 27 years of dedicated experience in education, Ms. Somers has had the privilege of teaching students in grades 2 through 5. She currently serves as the Read by Grade 3 Literacy Specialist at Martinez Elementary School, where she also facilitates the Reading Skills Center. Driven by a deep passion for literacy, she specializes in identifying and addressing the root causes of reading difficulties to help ensure every child succeeds.

Ms. Somers' leadership extends to presiding over the school's Lighthouse Action Team and the Response to Intervention (RTI) Team. She is committed to fostering a supportive learning environment that empowers both students and educators through evidence-based literacy practices.