Pathfinder's New Executive Director: Ms. Marty Jose

This past summer, Marty Jose led Pathfinder’s intensive five-week summer program for local students in grades five through eight. Before Marty Jose, Erroll Saunders II led Pathfinder as its Executive Director for over two decades. Pathfinder Director of Admissions and Operations Jennifer Geel described this transition in leadership: “Ms. Marty Jose spent June learning the ropes with Mr. Saunders and the rest of the summer working closely with our summer staff.” Pathfinder Co-Director of Summer Program Joshua Young noted that although “we missed Mr. Saunders this summer… the hiring committee could not have made a better choice than Ms. Marty Jose in terms of continuing the warm, welcoming tone and thorough professionalism that Mr. Saunders brought to Pathfinder.”

According to her colleagues, Marty Jose will have and has had a positive impact on Pathfinder. Young emphasized that “Marty Jose is a thoughtful and caring educator with a deep commitment to [her] students.” He added that, “as a colleague and administrator, [he appreciates] Marty Jose’s calm demeanor and patient listening skills.” Young explained that Marty Jose has already “made an immediate connection with students and parents.” Similarly, Geel remarked that Marty Jose’s perspective will “enhance [the program’s] ability to help every Pathfinder student thrive.” Geel looks forward to “collaborating with Marty Jose on initiatives that create more opportunities, support, and access for Pathfinder students.” Student volunteers also shared a similar sentiment.  Jamie Ganter ’27 who volunteered at Pathfinder last year explained that “with Ms. Marty Jose’s leadership, ways can be figured out to reward students for being involved with coursework.”

Marty Jose explained that “as the new Executive Director of Pathfinder, my immediate priority is to deeply understand the program's current landscape.” She added that  “I am especially eager to visit and discuss our program at local New Haven middle schools — my hometown!” As she settles into the director position, Marty Jose is thinking about her long-term role in the program. According to Marty Jose, the program has a “well-established foundation and deep roots in the community” that she will build upon by “ensuring [that her] team is fully supported with the resources they need to thrive.” Additionally, she is looking forward to “working with [the program’s] present and future students.” 

Marty Jose noted the many strengths of Pathfinder, including that it is “a pillar for educational access and opportunity in New Haven.” Marty Jose noted that she is “most excited about Pathfinder's future and its potential to deepen its impact and grow even more within New Haven. As an alum, it is an incredible honor to now be a part of shaping its next chapter as the first Latina Executive Director.”