.png?sfvrsn=ed3cae7f_1 "Jeff Martin")
The Will J. Hancock Unsung Hero Award is given to business officers who have made extraordinary contributions to their schools and exemplify exceptional integrity, knowledge and motivation. At the end of each school year, new Unsung Heroes receive their award from their head of school, often at a significant school occasion such as a board meeting or an all-school ceremony. What makes these Unsung Heroes so special? The highlights below come straight from their colleagues' nominations.
Stay tuned throughout the summer for additional profiles. See the full list of 2026 recipients.
Title: CFO (Retiring this year)
School: Norfolk Academy
Years at School: 13
Superpower: Power of Perspective. As CFO, Jeff Martin shows “the rare ability to balance precision and perspective,” said his nominator, Travis Larrabee, head of school for Norfolk Academy. “He attends carefully to the finest operational and financial details while never losing sight of the larger institutional picture or the long-term needs of the school.”
Valued voice: During moments of change or when a big decision needs to be made, Martin’s voice is sought out in the head of school’s office. “I rely on his counsel and insight on nearly every major decision facing the school,” said Larrabee.
Colleagues across campus trust Jeff not only for his expertise, but for his empathy, approachability and willingness to help others succeed.
Principled leader: Martin’s background in the U.S. Navy and his education at the U.S. Naval Academy informs his work every day, according to Larrabee. “Those experiences are evident every day in the way he leads with steadiness, humility and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right for the school and its people.”
Mentor to many: “A true collaborator, he leads a first-rate business office that is both highly effective and deeply service-oriented,” said Larrabee. “He encourages his team to be visible and engaged members of the school community. Colleagues across campus trust Jeff not only for his expertise, but for his empathy, approachability and willingness to help others succeed.”
Lifelong commitment: Martin graduated as a student from Norfolk Academy in 1987. Both of his children are NA alumni, as are his brother and sister.
