Octavio N. Martinez, Jr.

Octavio N. Martinez, Jr. serves as Executive Director of the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health at The University of Texas at Austin and Senior Associate Vice-President for Diversity and Community Engagement, leading the Community Integrated Health Initiatives program. His academic appointments include Professor of Psychiatry at Dell Medical School, Clinical Professor at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work, Faculty Affiliate of the Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice, and Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at UT Health San Antonio's Long School of Medicine. He holds national roles on the CDC Director's Advisory Committee (including its Health Equity Workgroup), Trust for America’s Health board, and Psychiatric Services Journal editorial board, alongside Texas state commissions for mental health.

His work centers on advancing mental health equity through integrated care models, policy reform, and systemic inclusion. He focuses on bridging behavioral and physical health services in community settings, addressing rural health disparities, and promoting diversity in healthcare systems. This interdisciplinary approach spans psychiatry, social work, and human rights frameworks to drive sustainable improvements in mental health outcomes for underserved populations.

Dr. Martinez leads the Hogg Foundation's mission to transform Texas mental health via policy advocacy and public education, while directing UT Austin's Community Integrated Health Initiatives program to develop scalable models for coordinated care delivery. His leadership extends to national committees including the former Presidential COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force and current National Hispanic Council on Aging (where he previously served as chair), emphasizing community-driven solutions for health justice.