Recognized for her ability to lead from the front and observe behind the scenes, Princess L. Martin has established a distinguished career spanning more than three decades in information technology (IT) and public service, most notably with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In her most recent role as senior program manager from 2024 to 2025, she demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical expertise, ensuring the seamless operation of critical systems that supported nearly 9,000 employees.
Affiliated with HUD since 1993, Ms. Martin first joined the organization as a senior IT project manager for the office of the chief information officer, a foundational role she held for 15 years. In this capacity, she developed and implemented systems that improved efficiency across multiple offices, laying the groundwork for future achievements. In 2008, Ms. Martin was promoted to senior project manager and adviser for HUD’s multifamily housing programs. In this position, she guided a major project to modernize the Federal Housing Administration.
After another 15 years as senior project manager, Ms. Martin was named acting director of HUD’s multifamily housing programs. During her year in this role, she played a key part in updating application systems and advancing initiatives that directly benefited low-income elderly individuals and people with disabilities. Ms. Martin’s work on the Tenant Rental Assistance Certification System was instrumental in expanding access to Section 8 housing, reflecting her dedication to supporting vulnerable populations through innovative solutions. She returned to the role of senior program manager in 2024 before retiring from HUD in 2025.
Ms. Martin’s performance in the field was born of her academic background. She earned a Bachelor of Science in computer and information sciences from Alabama A&M University (AAMU) in 1988. Ms. Martin has further bolstered her credentials through continued professional development. She has obtained a number of certifications, including: as a chief information officer through the National Defense University; a master’s certification in project management from The George Washington University’s School of Business; in the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL); as a Federal Acquisition Certification (FAC) program project management senior and FAC contract oversight representative through the Federal Acquisition Institute; as an excellence in government fellow through the Partnership for Public Service; in women in leadership through Cornell University; and in general leadership through American University and Yale University
Further reflecting her commitment to professional development, Ms. Martin participates in AAMU’s annual student career program, where she shares insights with aspiring professionals. She is also an active member of several industry-related organizations. Ms. Martin has served as a senior member of HUD’s Federal Housing Administration Transformation Team and aided in organizing the Arts and Culture Exhibition for AAMU’s Sesquicentennial Committee. Eager to contribute to the celebration of the institution’s 150th anniversary, she also took part in fundraising, event planning, strategic planning, logistics and project management for this milestone.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ms. Martin has demonstrated a strong commitment to civic engagement and community service. She donated her time as vice president of the AAMU National Alumni Association and as an ambassador for the AAMU Bulldogs Connect program. Ms. Martin has served as the IT committee chair for the Fort Foote Baptist Church, the co-chair of the leadership advisory board for the Partnership for Public Service and co-founder of Leadership Collaborative. In more recent years, she has given back to her community as a volunteer and supporter of the Stanford Football Parents Association, a board member of the Association for Federal Information Resources Management (AFFIRM), and a strategic financial adviser in music ministry, website design, and software upgrade acquisition and installation for Fort Foote Baptist Church.
To commemorate her accomplishments, Ms. Martin has been recognized with numerous awards. She was nominated for the Transformational Tech Award by AFFIRM and received several outstanding contribution awards while working for HUD, as well as a Recognition Award for Support from AAMU. In 2022, she was presented with the William Hooper Councill Award from AAMU’s Washington D.C. Metro Area Alumni Chapter.
Outside of her career, Ms. Martin is a devoted mother to one daughter and two sons. She enjoys playing sports, singing, listening to music and playing music, including piano, organ and trumpet. Although she has retired from federal service, Ms. Martin now seeks to turn her extensive experience to the private section. She plans to open a company centered on technology and artificial intelligence solutions tailored for small businesses. Inspired by her personal experience caring for a family member with dementia, she is also considering offering senior transition services, such as referrals for memory care or nursing homes. In both of these endeavors, Ms. Martin demonstrates her compassion and unwavering desire to continue helping people by supporting community development.