James A. Martinez is the senior director of communications of the western division for the American Lung Association. James' communications experience spans two decades. This includes seven years leading the Lung Association’s communications efforts across three regions (21 states): Midland States, Southwest and Upper Midwest Regions. James develops communications strategies that increases the Lung Association’s share of voice on topics related to lung health, cultivates an influential network of media relationships and ensures delivery of consistent messaging to media and the community at large. James works closely with and provides support to all of the organization’s departments. Previously, he spent almost a decade leading a national media and public relations strategy for the National Parent Teacher Association, the world's largest child advocacy organization. James began his career as a local TV news reporter, Spanish-language newspaper writer; WGN-TV news writer; and community TV talk show host. James earned his bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism at Columbia College Chicago.
