Mel Martinez to Head Department of Housing and Urban Development

AUSTIN – On December 20, 2000, President-elect George W. Bush announced the designation of Mel Martinez, chief executive of Orange County, Florida, as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

"Since leaving his Cuban homeland as a boy, Mel Martinez has been the embodiment of the American dream and has had great success in helping the people of his community obtain affordable housing and urban services," he said.

Mel Martinez comes to the Department of Housing and Urban Development after spending the past two years serving as Chairman of Orange County, Florida. As Chairman, he is the elected chief executive of the county government. During his term, Martinez dealt with the many housing and urban-related issues that impact central Florida, including easing housing development near overcrowded schools, strengthening code enforcement and easing traffic congestion. Martinez currently serves as Chairman of Governor Jeb Bush's Growth Management Study Commission, which is examining ways to plan for community growth without promoting sprawl.  From 1984 through 1986, he was Chairman of the Orlando Housing Authority. Martinez fled his Cuban homeland in 1962 at the age of 15. He earned both a bachelor's and law degree from Florida State University.

On January 17, 2001, the Senate Banking Committee held a hearing on the nomination of Mel Martinez to be Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. He was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate on January 23, 2001.