05/24/2026
Joe Martin for Martinsville City Council Bio
Joe Martin is a lifelong advocate for the Martinsville-Henry County community, a small business owner, community organizer, and longtime public servant with more than a decade of leadership experience in local government and economic development.
A graduate of Radford University with studies in History and Political Science, and Patrick & Henry Community College with studies in Business Administration and General Studies, Joe has combined education, business experience, and civic involvement to serve the people of Martinsville. During college, he was a member of both Pi Gamma Mu, the international social sciences honor society, and Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society.
Joe has served on the Martinsville Planning Commission for 12 years and has served as Chairman for the past 10 years. He also served two terms as a citizen representative on the West Piedmont Planning District Commission, helping address regional issues involving economic growth, transportation, infrastructure, housing, and development throughout Southside Virginia.
Over the years, Joe has also served with organizations and initiatives including the Martinsville-Henry County Revitalization efforts and the Transportation Safety Commission. He has worked closely with local businesses, nonprofits, artists, and charities to help promote economic development, revitalize the community, and support local causes.
As the owner of a local business for more than 16 years, Joe understands firsthand the challenges facing small businesses, working families, and taxpayers. Through his business, he has consistently partnered with charities, schools, community organizations, and local entrepreneurs by donating services, offering discounts, and helping organizations promote themselves affordably and effectively.
Coming from a family with more than three generations of business roots in the Martinsville-Henry County area, Joe believes strongly in hard work, accountability, transparency, and giving back to the community that helped shape him.
Even before entering government service, Joe was known for speaking up for citizens and organizing community efforts when he believed people were not being heard. He believes local government should be transparent, professional, fiscally responsible, and focused on serving the people — not politics or division.
Joe Martin is running for Martinsville City Council because he believes the city’s future depends on restoring professionalism, rebuilding trust, supporting economic growth, and bringing people together to solve problems.
He believes Martinsville’s best days can still be ahead, but only if the community works together with honesty, respect, and a shared vision for the future.
