Meet MCSC's director of youth initiatives

David R. Martus has nearly 20 years of leadership experience in positive youth development programming and has been named director of youth initiatives for the Michigan Community Service Commission. Martus will direct and manage MCSC’s Mentor Michigan program along with statewide youth initiative efforts by developing and overseeing volunteer recruitment efforts, coordinating training and technical assistance, and maintaining outreach efforts.

Name: David R. Martus

Hometown: Born and raised in Flint. Currently living in Flushing

Title: Director of Youth Initiatives

Education: Bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Michigan-Flint

Experience:  Nearly 20 years of leadership experience in positive youth development programming.

• Created, facilitated, and managed the Mott Foundation Leadership Academy for at-risk youth in Flint (now Teen Quest/SYI).
• Created "Following the Leader!"- a leadership development training/workshop for high school and middle school students throughout Michigan; designed and instructed numerous customized employability skills training programs for businesses and nonprofit agencies.
• Program Manager for GoodGuides Youth Mentoring Program, a partnership between Goodwill and the U.S. Department of Justice that helps students ages 12 through 17 finish school and transition into productive careers.

Why I want to be involved in Youth Initiatives: I want to do my part to make certain that every child is equipped to compete and become successful.

Favorite quote: “That some achieve great success, is proof to all that others can achieve it as well.” – Abraham Lincoln

Fun fact: Big fan of sports and music trivia. For unknown reasons, I know that the shortest name of any player in Major League Baseball history is Ed Ott, and I find it fascinating that the only member of the rock group ZZ Top without a beard is Frank Beard.

How to contact David Martus:

Phone: 517-335-4295
E-mail: MartusD@michigan.gov