The National Scleroderma Foundation is very excited to introduce Daniel Martinez to the team. Daniel joined the Foundation in February 2026, as the new Director of Corporate Philanthropy.
Daniel holds a B.S. in History from Metropolitan State University of Denver. He brings over 12 years of experience in healthcare nonprofit development and executive leadership, leading fundraising strategy, community engagement, and multi-state operations.
In addition, Daniel has five years of experience in patient advocacy within the biotech sector, collaborating cross-functionally with marketing, communications, medical affairs, and clinical development teams to ensure the patient voice is meaningfully integrated into strategy and engagement efforts.
In the Q&A that follows, get to know Daniel and hear more about his vision, passions, and plans for the future of scleroderma research.
Q: What brought you to the National Scleroderma Foundation?
I was fortunate to build strong relationships with the National Scleroderma Foundation in my previous role, and through that experience I developed a deep respect for the staff, volunteers, and the incredible community behind this mission. When I heard there was an opportunity to join the team, it immediately felt like the right fit. Having already worked alongside many of these dedicated individuals, I knew I wanted to be part of advancing the mission in a bigger way.
Q: You are the Director of Corporate Philanthropy; can you tell us a little about that role and how you’ll be working with our community?
As Director, Corporate Philanthropy, I serve as the primary point of contact for corporations interested in supporting and engaging with the foundation and scleroderma community. I focus on cultivating and stewarding those relationships while identifying partnerships that create meaningful impact. With industry interest growing as research and clinical studies increase, my goal is to align our partners’ objectives with the needs of our community so that together we can drive awareness, advance research, and better support patients and families.
Q: What are your passions and activities outside of the office?
Outside of work, I coach U10 girls basketball and soccer — including my daughter’s teams. I played both sports growing up, so it’s really special to pass down my love for the games to them. My hope is to help build confidence, teach teamwork, and instill a genuine love of both games.
Q: At the National Scleroderma Foundation when a new person joins the team, we ask for one thing that we will not learn about them from their LinkedIn profile.
In my 20s, I spent about 10 years as a DJ in the Denver club scene. It was one of the best times in my life and it was before the era of camera phones, so I’m left with just great memories and a few old photos! I just bought my daughter her first turntables so we’ll see if she loves it as much as I do.
Q: Last, but not least, what is your biggest goal for the year?
My biggest goal this year is to build a strong foundation in this new role and make a meaningful impact for the scleroderma community. With industry partnerships continuing to grow as research expands, I want to help our partners help us – aligning our goals in ways that truly support patients and families. If we can strengthen those relationships and create real value for the community, I’ll consider that a big win.