Longtime Austin Young Chamber leader selected to guide the organization’s next chapter of growth and impact.

AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Young Chamber today announced the appointment of Mel Martin as its new president and CEO, effective Sept. 14, 2026. Martin has served as interim CEO since June 2026, leading the organization’s operations, programs, partnerships and strategic priorities during a pivotal period of transition. Her recent leadership includes co-creating and launching the Middle Manager Accelerator, a cohort-based program designed to equip emerging and midlevel managers with practical skills, tools and peer support to lead more effectively.

Martin brings more than a decade of experience across marketing, events, business operations and nonprofit leadership. Her history with the Austin Young Chamber began years before her interim appointment. She previously served the organization in multiple roles, including director of marketing and events. In that capacity, she led the marketing and event strategy for more than 50 annual programs focused on entrepreneurship, leadership development, civic engagement and relationship building.

“Mel has already demonstrated the kind of thoughtful, action-oriented leadership the Austin Young Chamber needs as we look to the future,” said Arielle Sadler, chair of the Austin Young Chamber Board of Directors. “She understands our organization, our members and the role AYC can play in Austin’s broader business community. I’m excited to see her continue building on that foundation, strengthening the organization and creating even more opportunities for Central Texas young professionals to lead, connect and make an impact.”

As president and CEO, Martin will lead the Young Chamber’s strategic direction, organizational operations, membership growth and community partnerships. Her priorities include expanding access to professional and leadership development, strengthening connections between young professionals and the regional business community, and creating meaningful opportunities for emerging leaders to contribute to the future of Central Texas.

“The Austin Young Chamber has played a defining role in my own professional and personal journey, which makes the opportunity to lead this organization especially meaningful,” Martin said. “Young professionals are not simply the leaders of tomorrow. They are already managing teams, building businesses, serving their communities and helping shape the future of Central Texas. I’m honored to work alongside our members, board, and partners to ensure young professionals have the relationships, resources and opportunities they need to grow, lead and stay rooted here—while using their talents to strengthen our regional business community.”

Martin’s broader career includes work in marketing, client experience and operational strategy within the financial services sector. She is also the co-creator, showrunner and producer of the Austin Eras podcast, which explores the people, places and pivotal moments that have shaped Austin.

A graduate of Purdue University, Martin holds a degree in computer graphics technology and participated in Leadership Austin’s Emerge program. Her community involvement has included volunteering with Austin Partners in Education and serving as a theater manager for the SXSW Film & TV Festival.

Under Martin’s leadership, the Austin Young Chamber will continue advancing its mission through relationship building, professional and leadership development, and community impact. Its initiatives include the LEAD Summit, Middle Manager Accelerator, FAVE Awards, Give Back & Get Loud, educational programs, member events and volunteer-led committees.

Community members can connect with Martin at the sixth annual Give Back & Get Loud nonprofit fair on Sept. 15 and the Young Chamber’s Caffeine Connection with KUT Public Media Studios on Sept. 18.

About the Austin Young Chamber

The Austin Young Chamber creates opportunities for young professionals to learn, grow and stay rooted in Central Texas—creating a pipeline of leaders who drive innovation, strengthen businesses and build a vibrant community. Through relationship building, professional and leadership development, and community engagement, the organization supports both the region’s young professional workforce and the broader Central Texas business community.

To learn more about the Austin Young Chamber, become a member or explore upcoming programs, visit austinyc.org.