Executive Director

Robin Martinez is the Executive Director of Compass, bringing over two decades of experience in residential development and multifamily housing. She brings a wealth of expertise at both the forefront of a project—setting it up for long-term success and sustainability—and in the creation and management of resident-focused programs that build vibrant communities for years to come. Blending a deep understanding of both developer priorities and resident needs, Robin’s leadership and vision guide Compass as it expands its mission and deepens its impact across California. Robin brings the Compass mission to life by combining a heart for residents with a mind for business—ensuring compassion and sound business strategy work seamlessly together in every initiative.

After many years of working in market-rate housing, Robin’s desire to make a broader community impact beyond her day-to-day work really clicked in 2008. The ensuing synchronicity that brought her passion for healthy cooking and basic nutritional education to the residents of affordable housing couldn’t have been more perfect. Robin co-founded Love Your Lunchbox with Nicki Cometa—now the President of Compass’s Board of Directors and a highly respected leader in the field of affordable housing (you can read more about Nicki in her bio below). What began as a grassroots effort to expand access to basic nutrition education for as many people as possible evolved into a deeper exploration of food deserts and the growing reality of food insecurity within the broader community, something that was a new concept in 2008. The early work of the Love Your Lunchbox organization laid the foundation for what would become Compass as we know it today.

Throughout her career, Robin has cultivated lasting, collaborative partnerships. Her ability to understand the goals and challenges of each stakeholder enables her to consistently create solutions that align interests and deliver meaningful, long-term success.

Today, under her direction, Compass continues to grow as a trusted resident services provider, program developer, and valued partner in affordable housing across California.

Manager of Resident Services

Gerald Simpson is the Resident Services Manager at Compass. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, he began his career in human services after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Ohio Northern University. Over the past two decades, he has built a diverse background spanning mental health, housing, and social advocacy—including ten years working various roles in a mental health correctional facility, eight years managing permanent supportive housing, and four years providing case management for chronically homeless individuals with complex needs.

In 2022, Gerald relocated to San Diego, where he served as a Housing Coordinator for a justice-enhanced Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program. In that role, he helped secure stable housing for individuals reentering the community from the justice system, collaborating with local partners to promote recovery and long-term stability.

Gerald has recently joined the leadership team at Compass, bringing his expertise and experience to strengthen resident services and support the diverse populations across the communities the organization serves.