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My Bio

Tara Martinez

Candidate for West Virginia House of Delegates – District 54

Tara Martinez is a proven leader with nearly three decades of experience in state government, nonprofit administration, and workforce development. A lifelong West Virginian, Tara has built her career on advancing policies that strengthen communities, expand economic opportunities, and ensure government works for the people it serves.

Currently running her own business, working with states on Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act modernization Tara is helping to create systems that work for citizens in gaining opportunity and self-sufficiency. Her service as the Workforce Employment Program Administrator at the Governor’s Office of Workforce Resiliency, Tara lead strategic planning efforts, manages statewide workforce initiatives, and oversaw complex grant programs that align with both state and federal priorities. Her work has helped connect West Virginians with quality jobs, address critical employment gaps, and ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively.

Previously, as CEO/Executive Director of the West Virginia Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Tara implemented long-term growth strategies that increased annual sales, expanded job opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and advocated for legislative priorities to support the organization’s mission. Her leadership experience also includes serving as Executive Director of the West Virginia Women’s Commission and Manna Meal, Inc., as well as senior roles with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture and the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy.

Tara’s expertise spans governmental relations, policy development, budget planning, grant management, and coalition building. She has been recognized for her strategic vision and community impact with honors such as the WV Living Magazine Wonder Woman Award, The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Advocate of the year award recipient, and the Governor’s Annual Civil Rights Day Honoree designation.

Beyond her professional career, Tara is deeply engaged in public service. She currently serves on the Leadership West Virginia Board of Directors, the Marshall University Department of Management and Healthcare Administration Advisory Board, and served as the Chair and Vice Chair of the Advisory Committee to the US Commission on Civil Rights for nearly a decade, along with many boards and committees including the WV Legislature's Equal Pay Commission and the Governor's Workforce Development Committee.

A graduate of Marshall University with both an Executive MBA and a Regents Bachelor’s Degree, Tara also holds a Grants Management Certificate and an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies. She brings a results-driven, collaborative approach to problem-solving—qualities she’s ready to put to work for the people of District 54.

Tara Martinez is running for the House of Delegates to ensure West Virginia’s future is one where families can thrive, businesses can grow, and every community has a seat at the table.

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