Maria Virginia Martinez Named 2025 Edgar Fellow

July 21, 2025  

Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres LLC (CFDB) and Point of Difference Strategies (POD) congratulate Senior Government Relations Director & Counsel Maria Virginia Martinez on her selection for the prestigious 2025 Edgar Fellows Program.

Founded by former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar, the Edgar Fellows Program is widely regarded as one of the most competitive leadership development initiatives in the state. Each year, approximately 40 individuals from across Illinois are chosen from hundreds of high-caliber applicants, and each class includes leaders from state and local government, community groups, civic organizations, and the private sector.

The program is designed to cultivate the next generation of public leaders through an intensive five-day executive training at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Participants learn directly from top leaders in government, law, and public policy — including justices of the Illinois Supreme Court, agency directors, and former U.S. Cabinet officials.

Maria’s acceptance is a testament to the high level of respect she commands within the Illinois policy community. Her professionalism, leadership, and unwavering commitment to public service reflect not only the spirit of the Edgar Fellows Program but the values on which CFDB and POD were founded.

Among many distinguished leaders who continue to shape the future of Illinois, the Edgar Fellows alumni list includes CFDB founding partner Lisa Duarte. Click here to view the complete list.