Galaxy Exec Named Alumnus of Year
April 24, 2025 - 12:13 AM
Mt. San Antonio College is proud to announce Urel Martinez, Chief Revenue Officer for the L.A. Galaxy, as its 2025 Alumnus of the Year. With over 20 years of leadership in the sports industry, Martinez has shaped the business side of some of Los Angeles’ most iconic teams.
As CRO of the L.A. Galaxy, Martinez oversees all revenue-generating functions including ticket sales, sponsorships, and brand engagement strategies that reflect the club’s multicultural fanbase. Prior to joining the Galaxy in 2017 and stepping into his current role in 2023, he held key leadership positions with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Clippers.
“Urel Martinez embodies the spirit of Mt. SAC—ambitious, resilient, and driven to lead. We’re proud to have played a role in his journey and to honor him as our 2025 Alumnus of the Year,” said Peter Hidalgo, president of the Mt. SAC Board of Trustees.
A native of La Puente and graduate of Wilson High School, Martinez began his academic journey at Mt. SAC. As a first-generation college student, he credits the college’s Summer Bridge program with setting the foundation for his success. “I was able to meet like-minded students who had the same concerns and insecurities I had,” said Martinez. “That really set the foundation for everything. I realized I wasn’t alone—and that I could tackle anything that came my way.”
Martinez transferred to UC Irvine, where he majored in Administration of Justice. He reflects on his time at Mt. SAC as transformative, calling it “the best thing for me.”
Recently featured in Hispanic Executive magazine for his leadership and cultural influence in the sports world, Martinez remains passionate about inspiring the next generation. His advice to students: “Dream big! Never limit yourself to the circumstances that you’re used to. Challenge yourself. With hard work, discipline, and commitment, anything is possible.”
Mt. SAC will formally recognize Martinez at its annual commencement ceremony on June 13.
