Dominican University Announces Appointment of New Vice President of University Advancement

Dominican University has named Antonio Martinez, Jr. as the university’s new vice president for University Advancement. 

Martinez comes to Dominican with more than 20 years of experience in philanthropy and fundraising. Since 2018 he has served as president and CEO of the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation, a provider of philanthropic services, grants, scholarships, and programming that advance equitable outcomes for residents of Oak Park, River Forest and surrounding municipalities. Under his leadership, the foundation expanded its service area, significantly increased its annual giving in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and grew its donor network. 

In his role as vice president for University Advancement, Martinez will serve on the President’s Cabinet, providing leadership and oversight of major gift and campaign fundraising, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, stewardship, alumnae/i relations, and more. He will be responsible for building and guiding the fundraising initiatives and investments to support the growth of both our River Forest campus and the new Chicago campus into the future. 

“With a background in—and a passion for—leading and supporting initiatives aimed at advancing equity and opportunity, Tony has a history of living out Dominican University’s mission,” said Dominican University President Dr. Glena G. Temple. “This, in combination with his experience of building robust philanthropic partnerships and donor engagement, will serve our university and our students well.”

“I look forward to serving as vice president for University Advancement of Dominican University to help shape and secure the next level of growth and prosperity for our students,” Martinez said. “Universities are a cornerstone of American civic life—a place of learning, discovery and development for the next generation of leaders. Dominican University is one such premier institution that provides a high quality, mission-driven education centering the values of truth, service and commitment to the common good that I am proud to be part of and grow.”

Previously, Martinez was director of development for the Chicago Community Trust. He has served on the leadership boards for several organizations, including The Resurrection Project, the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations, and the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement. He is a current member of the Economic Club of Chicago and the Chicago Council of Planned Giving. 

Martinez’s first day at Dominican University is April 7.