Monica Martinez is a lifelong public servant, nonprofit leader, and committed advocate for health equity. In 2024, Monica was elected as the Santa Cruz County Supervisor for District 5, becoming the first woman elected to represent the district. She brings a proven track record of leadership, collaboration, and results to her role, addressing critical community needs with a focus on disaster recovery, infrastructure improvements, and equity in public services.
As the CEO of Encompass Community Services, Santa Cruz County’s largest health and human services nonprofit, Monica expanded essential behavioral health, housing, and early childhood development programs, serving thousands of residents across the region. Throughout crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, the CZU Lightning Complex Fire of 2020, and major winter storms, Monica demonstrated steady leadership, delivering critical services and support when residents needed it most.
A 2023 graduate of Emerge CA, Monica began her career working with women on Skid Row in Los Angeles, supporting vulnerable populations and building her deep commitment to public service. Previously, she served as Executive Director of Housing Matters, where she co-founded the 180/180 Initiative—a groundbreaking effort that permanently housed 180 chronically homeless individuals in under two years. Passionate about inclusive leadership, Monica has championed diverse representation in decision-making across the region, prioritizing the voices of those often underrepresented.
Monica received her Master’s in Public Administration from University of Southern California and her B.A. in Political Science at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She balances her professional life with active involvement in her community and is the proud parent of two school-aged children.
Staff to Supervisor Martinez includes:
- J.M. Brown, County Supervisor's Analyst
- Rae Spencer-Hill, County Supervisor's Analyst
Supervisor Martinez can be contacted as follows: