The Pennsylvania Society announced today that C.F. “Chris” Martin, IV will be this year’s recipient of the Pennsylvania Society’s Distinguished Citizen of the Commonwealth award for his exceptional leadership, commitment to innovation, and dedication to philanthropy as Chairman of the Board of C.F. Martin & Co.
Martin will be honored at the Pennsylvania Society’s Annual Meeting on April 3 at the Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, PA.
The Pennsylvania Society’s Distinguished Citizen of the Commonwealth award is given to a Pennsylvanian whose actions have extraordinarily benefited the Commonwealth. This award is not given on a yearly basis, but rather when the Society’s Council has identified a worthy recipient.
“We are pleased to honor Chris Martin, a sixth-generation leader of his family business, C.F. Martin & Co., with the esteemed Distinguished Citizen of the Commonwealth award,” said Patricia D. Wellenbach, President of The Pennsylvania Society. “For nearly 200 years, Martin Guitars have been the instrument of choice by exceptional artists like Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Neil Young, and John Mayer. Under Chris Martin’s leadership, this family business remains a staple of our Pennsylvania community while having a world-wide impact on the music industry. We are proud to present Chris with this award and to have him continue to represent the Commonwealth on the global stage.”
Chris Martin is the sixth-generation leader in his family to run the iconic acoustic guitar manufacturer C.F. Martin & Co. Throughout his career, he has strengthened Martin Guitar’s legacy of handcrafted excellence while expanding its reputation for innovation, sustainability, and philanthropy. Under his guidance, the company has introduced groundbreaking guitar designs, advanced environmentally-friendly manufacturing, and forged lasting partnerships with artists and organizations.
Martin, born and raised in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, had limited exposure to the family guitar business growing up, aside from summer jobs and visits with his grandfather, C. F. Martin III. While studying at UCLA, he gained hands-on experience in guitar building and retail by apprenticing at Westwood Music. After a year, he returned to Nazareth, Pennsylvania, to work in the Martin Guitar factory, where he deepened his understanding of guitar design and manufacturing. Over time, he took on greater leadership roles, eventually becoming Chairman at the age of 30 following his grandfather’s passing in 1986.
Beyond his role at C.F. Martin & Co., Martin is a passionate advocate for music education, environmental sustainability, democracy, and philanthropy. Through the Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation, he has led significant efforts to support music, arts, education, environmental action, and human services groups. Looking ahead, he remains committed to preserving his family’s legacy, with hopes that his daughter, Claire Frances Martin, will one day take part in leading the historic company.
Previous recipients of the Pennsylvania Society’s Distinguished Citizen award include Princess Grace of Monaco, Justice Samuel Roberts, Ray S. Walker, Lewis J. Appell, Jr., Susan Hirt Hagen, John H. Glick, William F. Hecht and James H. Miller, James J. Maguire Sr., and Sister Mary Scullion.
About The Pennsylvania Society
The Pennsylvania Society is a nonprofit, charitable organization with over 1,500 members. Since 1899, the Society has brought together Pennsylvanians of all backgrounds to celebrate service
to the Commonwealth, reward excellence, and honor achievement. The Society is non-partisan and not affiliated with any particular political party, business, or profession.
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