Edecio Martinez Named Newhouse’s First Executive Director of Instructional Technology

Edecio Martinez, a professor of practice of broadcast and digital journalism and an award-winning digital media professional, has been named the Newhouse School’s first executive director of instructional technology.

In his new role, Martinez will oversee technology and TV engineering strategies and services at Newhouse. Martinez will collaborate with school leadership, faculty and staff to design and implement technology plans and champion standards befitting Newhouse’s reputation for cutting-edge facilities and academic excellence.

He will report to Dean Mark J. Lodato and join the Newhouse leadership team. Prior to joining the Newhouse faculty in 2021, Martinez held previous positions including head of video at Ziff Davis and executive producer with Condé Nast Entertainment.

Now, Martinez takes on a role at Newhouse that was created to build on efforts to collaborate with technology companies and enhance the school’s role as a leader at the intersection of communications and tech.

“Adding this position will grow our ability to accomplish these key strategic goals for Newhouse and provide our faculty and staff with a high-level conduit to collaborate, experiment and succeed,” Lodato said.  

“Between his passion for visual storytelling, enthusiasm for embracing new technologies and extensive leadership experience, Edecio Martinez is the perfect candidate to become Newhouse’s first executive director of instructional technology,” Lodato added.

Martinez’s portfolio will also include:

• Providing strategic leadership in determining and developing a comprehensive, reliable and adaptive technology environment for the school.
• Becoming senior administrator of Newhouse’s information technology department, including the development of a professional development plan for the IT staff.
• Collaborating with faculty to identify technology that meets course objectives and supports research and activities.
• Developing and nurturing relations with technology companies on behalf of the school.

“I am deeply honored and incredibly excited to step into this pioneering role at Newhouse. We are at a unique crossroads where technology and communication intersect to redefine the landscapes of media, journalism and education,” Martinez said.

“I look forward to working with our remarkable students, faculty and staff to cultivate an environment that not only reflects the cutting-edge character of Newhouse but also serves as a beacon for innovation in instructional technology.”

He previously served as executive editor for campus content-providers, including Orange Television Network (OTN), a student-run television network and distribution hub based at Newhouse. Martinez, who has taught classes in cross-media writing, public affairs reporting, multimedia storytelling and data and digital journalism, will continue to teach.

Martinez’s experience prior to joining the University also includes stints as visual director at Upworthy and as senior editor for visual storytelling and innovation at The Weather Channel. He has served as an adviser to media companies and startups on strategy, organizational design, content development and video production.