Raymond P. Martinez Appointed Deputy Chief of Protocol of the United States

Mr. Martinez will be the chief operating officer of the Office of the Chief of Protocol and serve as Acting Chief of Protocol in the absence of the Chief. In this role, he will oversee the visits of chiefs of state, heads of government and other international dignitaries who are in the United States to meet with the President, Vice President or Secretary of State. He will also accompany delegations representing the President at official ceremonies abroad.

"Ray has an extensive career in public service and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Office of the Chief of Protocol," said Donald Ensenat, Chief of Protocol. "We are honored to have him join our office and look forward to the value he will bring in enhancing our diplomatic activities around the world."

Prior to assuming his current position, Mr. Martinez served as New York State Commissioner of Motor Vehicles under Governor George Pataki from December 2000 to December 2005; as Assistant General Counsel to the Long Island Power Authority from 1999-2000; as Special Counsel and Deputy Chief of Staff for the State Attorney General from 1997-1999; and as an attorney in private practice from 1994-1997.

From 1989 through 2005, Mr. Martinez served on numerous White House advance teams for domestic and international trips of Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. In President Ronald Reagan’s administration, he was Deputy Director for Scheduling and Advance for First Lady Nancy Reagan from 1986-1989 and a Special Assistant to the Regional Administrator for Region II at the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development from 1985-1986. Previously, Mr. Martinez worked for New York State Senator John R. Dunne of Garden City from 1982-1985.

Mr. Martinez is a graduate of St. John’s University School of Law and received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from C.W. Post College of Long Island University.