Rick Martin is a trusted voice in journalism, public relations, and crisis communications, bringing decades of expertise and an unwavering passion for storytelling. A three-time Peabody Award-winning journalist, Rick’s career spans pivotal roles at CNN and in top-tier local newsrooms in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. From covering history-making events like the September 11 terror attacks and the Beltway sniper case along with Hurricane Katrina to navigating the uncharted waters of a global pandemic, Rick’s experience is as vast as it is impactful.
But Rick’s story doesn’t stop with headlines—he’s lived through one himself. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rick not only guided a local government’s communications strategy but also fought his own battle with the virus, spending 17 days hospitalized, including five on a ventilator. That life-altering experience deepened his resolve to inspire others to rise above life’s challenges. At CNN, Rick spent 12 transformative years as a newsroom leader, driving coverage of monumental stories like the Boston Marathon bombings and the Aurora movie theater shootings. He also played a key role in the network’s 2004 Presidential election coverage and its acclaimed reporting on Hurricane Katrina. These experiences built the foundation for his dynamic approach to crisis management and his reputation as a calm, decisive leader under pressure.
Beyond the newsroom, Rick is a sought-after motivational speaker and the creator of the L.A.S.E.R. strategy—a practical framework designed to help individuals and organizations manage stress, focus on priorities, and achieve their goals. Standing for Listen, Assess, Support, Execute, and Respond, L.A.S.E.R. has empowered audiences nationwide to tackle challenges head-on.
Committed to making a diff erence in his community, Rick served as a certifi ed mentor in the Douglas County, Georgia school system and as a board member for Children’s Voice Inc. CASA, advocating for abused and neglected children in juvenile court cases.
A proud graduate of the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism, Rick blends his professional acumen with his deep-rooted values of resilience and service. Born in Washington, D.C., to Trinidadian parents, Rick now calls Douglas County, Georgia, home, where he cherishes time with his wife and two daughters.
