Martin Gillespie

Martin Gillespie is a proud native of South Jersey and serves as the Chief Development Officer for AFPI. Gillespie previously served as Director of Donor Relations and Senior Advisor to the President for Corporate Relations at The Heritage Foundation. His over two decades in the conservative movement include serving as Deputy Director at the Republican National Committee, Executive Director of American Majority Action, Campaign Manager for Congressman Chris Smith, Political Director for Senator Sam Brownback, and service as a political appointee in the Department of Justice under President George W. Bush. He is a graduate with highest honors in political science from Rutgers University and also has a master’s degree in management and fundraising from Avila University. He is named after his immigrant grandfather and also married to an immigrant (Joana) and wants to preserve the promise of America for future generations, most especially his children Jimmy, William, and Martin. In his spare time, he loves playing golf (broke 70 twice in his life—with witnesses!), the Jersey shore, and Italian restaurants.