About
Todd & Letitia (Cindy) Martin
TODD AUSTIN MARTIN
LONG TIME RESIDENT OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
​
Todd is originally from Waynesboro, VA, where he was the third of four children in a hardworking family. His parents worked long hours at the Klann Organ factory and depended on relatives for childcare. In 2000, after completing his service in the U.S. Navy, Todd and his wife Letitia (Cindy) moved back to her hometown of Callaway, where they built their home. After finishing college, Todd began his career at VDOT in Salem, VA, and continued working there until he was asked to manage the VDOT 24/7 Traffic Operations Center in the Hampton Roads District in Jan. 2020— he did so while still maintaining their home in Callaway. Todd retired from VDOT in January 2025. He has been a loving and devoted husband for 46 years and has a special place in his heart for children.
MILITARY CAREER
​
Todd began his journey with the U.S. Navy at the young age of 18, and throughout his many deployments, he has explored three-quarters of the globe. After more than 21 years of dedicated and honorable service, he retired from the Navy. Starting as a Fire Controlman E-3, he climbed the ranks to E-8 in just thirteen years and, shortly thereafter, received his commission as a Surface Ordinance Warrant Officer. Todd was recognized as the top chief onboard his ship for three consecutive years prior to earning his commission, thanks to his commitment to excellence, strong leadership, team-building abilities, and exceptional problem-solving skills.
VDOT CAREER
​
Todd's passion for excellence, leadership, team-building, and problem-solving was appreciated throughout his impressive sixteen and a half years at VDOT. During his time there, he managed three out of Virginia's five Traffic Operation Centers, which aimed to share essential traffic and weather updates with the public promptly while prioritizing safety. Todd's hard work didn't go unnoticed; he received the Commissioner Award twice from Virginia's Commissioner of Transportation in recognition of his significant contributions to vital projects.
​
ENGAGED IN OUR COMMUNITY
​
Todd has always been passionate about nurturing the success and well-being of children. He dedicated over twenty years to serving in Children's Ministry and Vacation Bible Schools at his local church. He has brought joy to countless children while playing 'Jolly ol' Saint Nick,' with many of them exclaiming, "He must be real because he knows my name!" Additionally, Todd was a girls' softball coach for the Franklin County Parks and Recreation Department, where he eagerly seized every chance to encourage and motivate his team members to think about their futures.
​
VALUE ON EDUCATION
​
When Todd was just 3 years old, his father passed away, and his mother’s main focus shifted to providing for their family. As a result, education wasn’t at the top of the list. All she asked of him was to graduate, which he did—just barely. It wasn’t until Todd joined the U.S. Navy that he truly understood the value of education; he realized that those who performed well in classes were given first choice for their duty locations.
​
At age 43, Todd became the first in his family to obtain a college degree. He graduated as a Commonwealth Scholar in Business Information Technology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Va Tech).
Todd really believes in the importance of a good education and all the amazing opportunities it can bring. He’s a dedicated supporter of helping children create better futures for themselves. After realizing later in life how education can unlock doors, Todd has committed himself to inspiring the kids around him to chase their educational goals and plan for a successful future.
Todd is quite concerned about the declining state of education in the U.S. He’s driven by a strong desire to see it restored to the effective methods that once made a difference.
​
LET'S IMPROVE EDUCATION IN FRANKLIN COUNTY
​
Todd is a dedicated leader known for his vision and ability to build strong teams. He will put in every effort to represent and advocate for the rights and values of parents on our local School Board. What truly sets Todd apart is his commitment to academic excellence and community involvement. He is focused on enhancing education, fostering a challenging yet supportive classroom atmosphere, and inspiring students to dream big about their futures.
​
Join Todd Austin Martin in his mission to achieve educational excellence for the students of Franklin County! He would be truly grateful for your vote in the upcoming election on November 4th.
