The Westminster Legacy Foundation board of directors and the City of Westminster are pleased to announce that Natalie A. Martinez has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Westminster Legacy Foundation, also known as the “Westy Foundation.”
Martinez comes to the Westy Foundation with over 30 years of non-profit development and leadership experience in the Denver Metro Area. Martinez began her non-profit career with the Colorado Children’s Campaign and was mentored by Colorado’s former lieutenant governor, Barbara O’Brien. “Ever since my first taste of mission-driven work, I was passionately hooked on making our communities better places for every person to live and thrive,” said Martinez. “I cannot be more excited to be leading the Westy Foundation’s mission and vision on behalf of the citizens of Westminster!”
Martinez’s background as a seasoned, non-profit leader and development specialist, combined with her deep desire and drive for promoting community-based initiatives, will help to further advance the foundation’s priorities and “pillars of giving."
“We are thrilled to welcome Natalie as our new Executive Director,” says Nicole Milo, Westminster Legacy Foundation Board of Directors President. “She will bring experience, enthusiasm, great communication skills, and an infusion of fresh energy to our organization. We feel very lucky to have found her and look forward to a very productive and successful future and partnership together.
Martinez began her tenure on June 1 and manages all day-to-day business for Westminster’s only foundation focused solely on the betterment of the community, known for its significant role and contributions in the creation of the Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park, the Armed Forces Tribute Garden, the Nature Playground at Westminster Station Park and its community grants program. Martinez will also lead all development and income-generating endeavors as well as marketing and communications initiatives and community engagement events. “As a long-time Westminster resident and 5th generation Coloradoan, I consider the Westy Foundation to be the catalyst in making our community stronger by providing funding opportunities to worthy causes that support all Westminster residents. I am elated to lead and promote this inspirational organization for every person and business that interacts with and enjoys the city [Westminster],” says Martinez.
Martinez recently served as the director of development for Mile High 360 in Denver. She has also worked as the program director for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Martinez earned a B.S.F.S. in International Politics and Law from Georgetown University, Washington D.C., where she was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the Class of ’89 and the university. She also holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Colorado.
Some of Martinez’s new responsibilities include overseeing the upcoming 14th Annual J. & Nancy Heil Tribute Golf Invitational at Legacy Ridge Golf Course on August 22 and overseeing the implementation of a newly formed strategic plan which includes a blue print to cultivate a sustainable funding initiative, increasing brand recognition and growing the Community Grant Program. “We have every confidence that she will bring a firm commitment to excellence; the hallmark of the Westy Foundation,” says Milo. “The Westminster Legacy Foundation continues to move forward as a vibrant and important institution, and with our new Executive Director in place, the Foundation can excel for the benefit of our entire community for years to come.”
Westminster Legacy Foundation
The Westminster Legacy Foundation’s mission is to enrich the spirit and identity of Westminster now and for future generations by connecting people who care with causes that benefit our community. The Foundation is the city’s only giving organization specifically designed to support the people, non-profits and community enterprises benefitting and enhancing the City of Westminster as its non-profit arm. In the late 1990’s, then-Westminster Mayor Nancy Heil had a vision. With charitable assistance in Westminster often divided according to county lines, the mayor saw the value in creating an organization that could provide philanthropic support to the entire City of Westminster. Mayor Heil and a dedicated group of volunteers formed the Westminster Legacy Foundation in 2001 to support programs and projects that strengthen and enhance the Westminster community and our residents. “Building a healthy, thriving Westminster community!”