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Join us for a 12@12 with Brenda Martin, L-6, Inside Huntsville Host! Brenda has been involved in community matters for decades, and she has been employed with the City of Huntsville since 1989. We can't wait to hear more about what she is currently working on, what role she has played in shaping our city and helping our community, as well as hear about her personal and career journey. 

12@12 events are only open to dues-paying alumni members.

More about Brenda:

Mrs. Brenda M. Martin – a volunteer of par excellence and an advocate for the entire greater Huntsville/Madison County Community.

Like many, Brenda is a Huntsville transplant from Buffalo, NY & Greenwich, CT. where she was employed by Xerox for 17 years. Following her move to Huntsville, she owned and managed Tiffany’s Academy of Personal Development, Inc., which offered a comprehensive self-improvement curriculum - licensed by the Alabama State Board of Education.

Brenda began her career with the City of Huntsville in 1989 as the first African-American woman appointed to the Mayor’s Senior Staff. Representing the mayor on many occasions throughout their terms, she’s served under three mayors for 25 years. She served as the inaugural Director of Multicultural Affairs, for the City of Huntsville, Alabama. A position she held on the Mayor’s Senior Staff from 2008 until her retirement in 2013. Under Mayor Battle’s, “One City, One Vision, One Huntsville” initiative, she served as the liaison to existing neighborhood associations and managed the development of new associations across the city. In this capacity, Brenda provided leadership in collaboration with Huntsville City and Madison County groups to enable all to be inclusive and representative of the numerous cultures that reside in the heart of the Tennessee Valley Region.

Mayor Battle asked her to return months after her retirement on a part time basis to anchor a Public Affairs Government Program, “Inside Huntsville with Brenda Martin,” which is now in its tenth year. The program provides the citizenry with information regarding the mayor’s initiatives and outreach, city departments, city agencies, appointed boards and community events that enhances the quality of life for all.

Prior to joining local government, she served as a local Talk Show Host for WAAY-TV-31 and FOX-54. Known for her style and grace, Brenda modeled professionally for Emillio Pucci in Venice & Rome Italy. She is the recipient of numerous awards, citations and honors. Nominated by the Chamber of Commerce as “Small Business Executive of the Year” and awarded the “Outstanding Business Institute” award by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Brenda is active in both professional and local community organizations. She has served on over 40 plus civic boards, committees and authorities since moving to Huntsville. Recognized as a “Trailblazer” by the Madison County Women’s Political Caucus. She now serves as Chair of the Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Botanical Garden where she chaired the 2023 Spring Hat Luncheon, The Huntsville Museum of Art Foundation Board, and The Community Foundation’s Racial Equity Fund Grants Committee & Second Mille Development Board to name a few.

Brenda is a 1993 graduate of Leadership Huntsville/Madison County and a 2001 graduate of Leadership Alabama. In April of 2022, Mrs. Martin was awarded the President’s Lifetime Volunteer Service Award by President Biden which is the highest civil award bestowed by the President of United States at a ceremony held at her Alma Mater, Oakwood University. 

An avid golfer, Brenda was a charter member of Executive Women’s Golf Association in Huntsville and its inaugural Vice President. She chaired the Annual UNCF Golf Tournament for Oakwood University for many years.

Brenda is an active member of Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville where Dr. O. Wendell Davis is the Pastor. A widow after 43 years of marriage to her high school sweetheart, W. Frank Martin, they are the parents of Tiffany Marie Cleaves. Brenda is the doting grandmother to 16-year-old son Isaiah Martin Cleave.