Mel Martinez, Chairman of the Republican Party from November 2006 until October 19, 2007, was the first Latino to serve as chairman of a major party. Previously, Martínez served as the 12th Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President George W. Bush. Martinez also oversees the firm’s philanthropic organization, which gave more than $150 million through grants and sponsorships to thousands of not-for-profit organizations across 28 states and more than 25 countries last year.