ANN ARBOR, MI – July 17, 2025 – Washtenaw Literacy is pleased to announce the appointment of David J. Martineau as its new Executive Director, effective July 10, 2025. Martineau brings more than two decades of leadership experience in nonprofit organizations committed to creating meaningful, measurable change in public service professions, including education, youth development, social services, and healthcare.
“We are thrilled to welcome David Martineau to Washtenaw Literacy,” said Darlene Ray-Johnson, President of the Board of Directors. “His proven track record in organizational leadership, team development, and driving systems-level change aligns perfectly with our mission to empower individuals through literacy. David’s vision and dedication will be invaluable as we continue to expand our reach and strengthen our community partnerships.”
Martineau most recently served as Acting Executive Vice President at the Forum for Youth Investment’s Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality, a national organization advancing evidence-based continuous improvement systems to promote positive youth development practices in out-of-school time programs. Prior to that, he was Executive Director of NCCJ St. Louis, a nonprofit focused on dismantling racism, bias, and bigotry through education and advocacy. Under his leadership, NCCJ significantly expanded its reach and impact—doubling its annual budget, launching new community partnerships, and delivering training to thousands of teachers, healthcare and social service providers, and young people across the region.
Washtenaw Literacy is a community-based nonprofit that has supported adult learners in the region for more than 50 years. The organization recruits and trains volunteers who partner with adult learners, helping them reach their goals through free, individualized tutoring and group learning opportunities that improve reading, writing, and digital literacy skills. Washtenaw Literacy plays a vital role in making literacy accessible and empowering for all.
That mission resonates deeply with Martineau, who brings more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience at the intersection of education, equity, and systems change. Throughout his career, he has designed and led programs that meet learners where they are and help them grow—with the tools, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.
“I believe in the power of education to help people reach their goals and to build stronger, more equitable communities,” said Martineau. “Literacy is the foundation of education. When people gain literacy skills, it opens doors in their lives and deepens their connections to the community.”
Martineau holds a Bachelor of Arts in French from Western Michigan University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan. While completing his MSW, he coordinated early youth program quality efforts at HighScope Educational Research Foundation in Ypsilanti. That work eventually became the Weikart Center, and he returned to Washtenaw County in 2018 to continue that mission.
Martineau is honored to now lead an organization that has such a meaningful impact in his local community.
“I’ve always been drawn to work that brings people together to learn, grow, and create change,” Martineau said. “Washtenaw Literacy is doing exactly that—partnering with adults to achieve their goals and transform lives through literacy. I’m honored to join the team and excited to build on this strong legacy by expanding support and growing the community of advocates and supporters who believe, as we do, that literacy is a human right.”