Diana Martinez Promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Second City Inc. International

Diana Martinez promoted to Chief Operating Officer of The Second City Inc. International.

Ms. Martinez, formerly Chief Administrative and Marketing Officer, of The Second City International, will expand her leadership role to assume responsibility for Second City's day-to-day operations. Specifically, she will oversee an annual operating budget of $30 million, more than 350 employees and talent, and 3 locations, in Chicago, Los Angeles and Toronto, all serving more than 300,000 fans and 3000 students every year. Martinez also will maintain responsibility for Second City's marketing focus.

The move allows owner and CEO Andrew Alexander to focus on defining Second City's strategic direction, to identify and pursue new opportunities for growth and to play a more active role in The Second City Television and New Media division.

"Diana possesses the experience and leadership skills that are essential for Second City's continued growth and success, in her new role as Chief Operating Officer, she and I will work closely together to make certain Second City has the right people and the right products to serve our organization and fans," Alexander said.

"I am honored to work with Tom Yorton President of Second City Communications, Lou Carbone Chief Financial officer, Kelly Leonard Executive Vice-President of The Second City, Kerry Sheehan Vice-President of The Second City Training Centers and Mike Conway General Manger and know that together we can continue to build on the legendary organization's strength's and continue to create the right environment to create new platforms for the development and exposure of the nation's most beloved comedians in tandem with improving The Second City experience for our loyal fans."

Ms. Martinez was most recently the Executive Director of Paramount Arts Center and has served on the executive board of the League of Chicago Theatres. Ms. Martinez has a unique blend of executive leadership and creative talent. She has helmed multimillion dollar construction projects and increased subscriptions, donors and sponsorships in addition to directing, writing and producing for a variety of theatrical productions. Her awards include the "Influential Women in Business" Award in 2002, and "The Award for Business Excellence" in 2003, she was named "Today's Young Executive in 2003" by the Business Ledger, and awarded "The Hispanic Hero Award" in 2002 by the Chicago Fire.

With over 3000 students, The Second City Training Center has become the world's largest improv-based Arts school. Second City Theatricals has produced a string of hit revues, including Rod Blagojevich Superstar, Barack Stars and is in development for Rush Limbaugh! The Musical. CEO/Executive Producer Andrew Alexander notes that, "Diana has always impressed me as a first rate theatre executive as well as a very creative thinker. We're proud to have her on our team."