Martin Castro

Martin R. Castro, Esq., leverages over 35 years of multifaceted experience spanning nonprofit leadership, law, business, education, corporate governance, community service, and government to drive meaningful change. Guided by his unwavering commitment to social justice, equity, integrity, and inclusivity, Marty utilizes his expansive local, national, and global network to leave a lasting impact on diverse communities.

As President and CEO of Casa Central Social Services Corporation, Marty leads one of the Midwest's largest Latino social service agencies. He oversees a $23 million budget and a team of over 500 employees delivering transformational programs in early childhood education, after-school care, older adult wellness, violence prevention, behavioral health, and homelessness services. Under his leadership, Casa Central builds resilient families and communities.

Marty's career includes notable leadership roles across the legal, nonprofit, business, and governmental sectors. Appointed by President Barack Obama in 2011, he became the first Latino Chairperson of the United States Commission on Civil Rights, a role he held until 2016. Previously, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn appointed him Chair of the Illinois Human Rights Commission in 2009, a position he held through 2015. In 2018, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker selected Marty as Co-Chair of his Transition Committee on Equality, Equity, and Opportunity, where Marty contributed to shaping state equity policies.

A proud product of Head Start and Affirmative Action, Marty was the first in his family to graduate high school and pursue higher education. He holds a B.A. in Political Science with honors from DePaul University and a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. He has received four honorary Doctorates in Humane Letters for his social justice advocacy from National Louis University, Roosevelt University, DePaul University, and Governors State University.

Marty is an accomplished board governance expert. He has served as a corporate board member for Bankmont Financial, Inc., and Harris Bankcorp, Inc., and contributed to audit and community reinvestment initiatives. His governance roles extend to startup companies, philanthropic foundations, and nonprofit organizations.

In his legal career, Marty was a partner at renowned law firms, including Baker & McKenzie, and Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal, focusing on corporate transactions, complex litigation, and diversity consulting. At Baker & McKenzie, he led diversity efforts nationally and served as the Chicago office Hiring Partner.

Marty's corporate experience includes his tenure as Vice President of External Affairs at Aetna, Inc., where he led market strategies addressing healthcare inequities in underserved communities. He also founded Castro Synergies, LLC, a consultancy advancing corporate, entrepreneurial, and nonprofit initiatives for social impact.

Globally, Marty is a member of the Global Diplomacy Lab and the BMW Foundation’s Responsible Leaders Network, contributing to informal diplomacy, conflict resolution, and sustainable development efforts.

A lifelong advocate for community service, Marty serves on the boards of the Chicago History Museum, the Chicago Urban League, and is a life trustee and past chair of the National Museum of Mexican Art. His contributions have earned him numerous awards and widespread recognition.