Dr. Adale Martin was elected to the Norfolk Public School Board in 2018.  Dr. Martin served as the NPS Board Chairman from July 2020-present.  She has a proven record of focusing on improving student academic outcomes, expanding security resources in schools, and supporting our amazing teachers and staff. 

As a proud mother of two NPS students with special needs, Adale works with families to understand their rights when navigating the Individual Educational Plan (IEP) & 504 processes. She works to improve equitable access to available resources and services.

Adale is passionate about education.  She is a product of public education from Pre-K - Ph.D.!  Adale earned her Doctoral degree from Old Dominion University’s School of Public Service in public policy with a specialization in collaboration and international security policy, a Master of Public Administration degree from Louisiana State University, and a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University in International and French Studies. Adale is also an alumnus of the University of Virginia’s Sorensen's Political Leaders Program and currently serves as a class representative on the Sorensen’s Alumni Council.

Dr. Martin’s professional career has been focused on adult education and training, curriculum development, and program management. She managed clinical and scientific oncologic programs at the American Society of Clinical Oncology and counter-terrorism training for first responders and SWAT Teams at the National Center for Biomedical Research and Training at Louisiana State University.

Adale is passionate about serving our community, which is evident in the work that she does every day.  She is the Executive Director of the Slover Library Foundation, where she oversees operations, development, events, community engagement and impact, marketing, and communications. Dr. Martin is a liaison to the Norfolk Public Library Board of Trustees, advocate, and fundraiser in support of CHKD as a member of the Magnolia Circle of the King’s Daughters, and a member of the Garden Club of Norfolk.

 Most of all, Dr. Adale Martin is a tenacious advocate for NPS students.