Andrea Martinez

About Andrea Martinez

I lead crisis communications and internal messaging at Mercy Ships, a global nonprofit delivering surgical care in low-resource countries. I’ve developed and implemented crisis communication plans for a diverse, multinational workforce navigating high-pressure situations with speed, clarity, and cultural sensitivity. I regularly advise executive leadership on reputational risk and organizational messaging, ensuring consistent responses across teams and regions. In addition to my crisis work, I write speeches and key talking points for our CEO, manage the organization’s internal newsletter, and oversee content strategy for our intranet, ensuring employees stay informed, aligned, and engaged.As a former news journalist, I\'ve reported on major national breaking news stories such as the Surfside, FL Condo Collapse in June of 2021, which killed nearly 100 people. I wrote, produced, and reported live during the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, one of the deadliest hurricanes to hit the Southwest Coast of Florida. I was one of the first journalists on scene of the tragic mass shooting at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, TX. At the time, the massacre was the deadliest mass shooting in Texas. My background as a bilingual TV journalist gives me a unique advantage in media relations and crisis strategy: I understand newsroom dynamics, anticipate coverage angles, and deliver messaging that resonates with both journalists and the public.I also work part time as a media specialist for One Blood where I help lead and track proactive media campaigns and secure regular earned media coverage across major markets across the Southeast United States.

Experience

1. Public Relations Specialist

   OneBlood

   Jun 2019 — Present · Orlando, FL, US

Education

• University of Central Florida

  Radio and Television

  2010 — 2011

• University of Southern California

  Broadcast Journalism

  2012 — 2014