Will Martin is a retired attorney whose career has spanned law practice, business, public service, and leadership roles with environmental NGOs, as well as serving as an adjunct professor of environmental law at Vanderbilt University Law School. His focus in public affairs and with NGOs has been primarily on advocating for sustainable fishing practices. During the Clinton-Gore administration, he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He also served as the chairman of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s Committee on Fisheries in Rome, and U.S. delegate to two international fisheries management treaty organizations.  He served for thirteen years as a board member, and eight years as chairman of the board, of the leading global NGO that sets sustainable fishing standards and certifies fisheries that meet the standards.

Martin is married to Jean Clinton Nelson. In his spare time, he enjoys playing tennis, taking photos, hiking, traveling, writing and reading. In younger years, he was involved in mountain climbing and recorded technical ascents of more than 20 alpine mountains in eight countries.

Professional Skills 

• International environmental law and policy

Education

• Juris Doctorate, Vanderbilt University
• Bachelor of Arts, Vanderbilt University

Specific Area of Interest

• Sustainable fishing practices