Scott Martin

Scott D. Martin is Chief Executive Officer of the Fort Monroe Authority in Virginia. Martin has more than 20 years of leadership experience, having worked on some of the nation’s most ambitious urban park projects. He most recently served as Administrator of Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors, where he oversaw transformative initiatives to enhance public spaces and outdoor recreation.

During his tenure in Chattanooga, Martin led the city’s first Comprehensive Parks & Outdoors Plan in over 25 years, engaging more than 5,000 residents in the process. He spearheaded master planning for the city’s largest urban park and the iconic Chattanooga Riverfront, helping secure $8.4 million in philanthropic and public funding for parks and recreation.

Previously, Martin served as Executive Director of the River Heritage Conservancy in Indiana, where he led efforts to establish a 4,400+ acre urban park system celebrating the historic Falls of the Ohio River. Under his leadership, the nonprofit raised over $15 million for land acquisition and operations, developed a collaborative master park plan, and launched a $27 million donor campaign.

Martin’s experience also includes serving as Parks Director for 21st Century Parks in Louisville, Kentucky, where he helped develop a 4,000-acre nonprofit-run park system. His leadership transformed the project from concept to a thriving destination attracting over three million annual visitors.

Earlier in his career, Martin was the first Director of Franklin County (VA) Commerce & Leisure Services. There, he created the county’s first Parks & Recreation and Tourism Development Plans, secured $4.2 million in grants, and brought $80 million in business investments, generating 600 new jobs.

Martin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration from Boise State University. He is a Fellow of the American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration, serves as North American Chair for World Urban Parks, and is recognized internationally for his work integrating conservation, recreation, and economic development in urban settings.