The La Cañada Unified School District is deeply indebted to Kevin Martin for his generous volunteerism and tireless dedication to its schools, community, teachers and staff – and, most importantly, its children. For over 11 years, Kevin has been a leader within the District – and without his commitment to LCUSD, our progress on a multitude of initiatives and our efforts to create a learning community which serves the needs of all students would not have been realized with as much success.Kevin served as a Director for 6 years on the La Cañada Flintridge Education Foundation and was its President during the 2017-2018 school year. During his year as President, family donor participation grew by over 20%. For the past 5 years he has served as an LCFEF Endowment Trustee. During his combined 11 years with the LCFEF Endowment, assets have more than tripled and are now worth over $10m. In his work with the LCFEF, Kevin created the planned giving platform; led the search committee in the hiring of Executive Director, Marilyn Yang; served on the Rose Harrington Educator of the Year selection committee; and instituted the popular semi-annual Breakfast with the Superintendent event.
Kevin grew up locally in Glendale, CA. His parents were teachers and school administrators. He has a deep appreciation and respect for the value of a high quality public education. He graduated with honors from UCLA and moved to La Cañada almost 25 years ago. Kevin and Carrie, his wife, have been married for 19 years. They have two sons, Charlie and Andy, both of whom have benefitted from La Cañada schools. Andy is currently a 10th grader at La Cañada High School. Kevin is a Managing Director in the Private Wealth Management division at Morgan Stanley. For over 35 years, Kevin and his team have assisted their clients in protecting and growing their wealth and making informed financial planning decisions.
Kevin’s volunteer work has extended beyond the Foundation. He served on both the successful Measure LC Parcel Tax Campaign and Measure LCF Bond Campaign. His integral support for and leadership of the STEM and Robotics Lab at LCHS has resulted in volunteers raising over $145,000 for the club. Kevin helped launch the LCHS Mountain Bike Team and has served as a coach with the team for over 3 years. The team now has over 60 active members, many of whom would not be participating in an organized sport if not for the team. Finally, Kevin has served on both the LCUSD Superintendent’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and subsequently on the LCUSD DEI Oversight Committee where his thoughtful, respected, and insightful perspectives have helped advance the district’s values of inclusion, wellness, and belongingness as central tenets of the climate of care found on each school campus.
Always an advocate for students, Kevin has built a legacy of service and we are pleased and proud to have him as the 2023 Golden Apple recipient for LCUSD. Representatives from the ten school districts that comprise Region XV of the Association of California School Administrators will meet at a special breakfast ceremony on March 21, 2023, to present the awards.