Nelda Martinez

Nelda Martinez is a longtime real estate professional and civic leader with more than 35 years of experience as a licensed Realtor. A native of Corpus Christi, she served three terms as an at-large City Council member before being elected mayor in 2012. Reelected in 2014, Martinez focused on infrastructure, water security, downtown revitalization, housing, military base protection, and responsible economic development. She led efforts supporting major projects including the Harbor Bridge replacement, the Mary Rhodes Pipeline Phase 2, and adoption of the Downtown Development Plan. A business owner and entrepreneur, Martinez founded Adlen Enterprises, Inc., a real estate holding company, and previously owned Nueces Title and First American Closing Office, Inc.After her mayoral service, Martinez remains active in civic and nonprofit leadership, serving on advisory boards including the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs Women’s Campaign School and the Texas State Aquarium. She has received numerous honors recognizing her leadership, business success, and public service.