Matt Martin is the executive vice president, retail banking executive for California and Arizona at PNC Bank. Since joining PNC Bank in 2000, Matt has played key roles in retail banking initiatives to expand market share, employee leadership and customer engagement. He is a two-time winner of the Gallup Organization’s “Gallup Great Workplace Award”. He served as vice chair on the board of the YMCA of Central Maryland and was the chairman of the board at Baltimore’s Public Radio station, WYPR.
Why are you passionate about workforce development?
Having a strong and vibrant workforce is critical to a functioning society. It goes way beyond having the right people for the right jobs, it is about lifting the human spirit and helping ALL move forward financially. We are all dealt different hands in life. Some people have a head start due to socio-economic advantages, while others start with more humble beginnings or with disabilities. What I love about the Workforce Partnership is that the programs and services look to close the “advantage” gap and help those who have experienced greater challenges or have become marginalized.
If you had $1M to donate to a workforce development program, what would you want done with it?
I truly believe all our programs deserve a bigger budget and more money, so it’s hard to choose just one. Quite frankly, more money means more impact. Newer to the organization and newer to San Diego, I have been so impressed with the programs and impact of the Workforce Partnership.
What do you like best about being on the Workforce Development Board?
It is a dynamic board with a ton of passion for making an impact on the lives of the people in San Diego and the surrounding communities. The board is very “mission driven” which I love. When joining a board you look at the leadership of the organization and the board. Peter and Sammy are tremendous leaders.
Why is workforce development important for San Diego County?
San Diego is an amazing place to live–it really is America’s Finest City–but it isn’t a perfect metropolitan area either. Income stability is so critical to people and to the community as a whole. It is a core pillar of a great society. But it is also dynamic and challenging for many reasons. Investing in and supporting workforce development is a big step toward income stability. It creates a more hopeful, engaged and knowledgeable workforce to support the business, industry, government and community-based organizations that strengthen communities as a whole. Workforce development has a ripple effect and a reciprocal effect, at the same time.