_Women are rising up the ranks throughout professional football, earning positions of power in a space that for too long was ruled almost exclusively by men. We're seeing more and more women breaking barriers in the sport, but what are the stories beyond the headlines? Who are the women shaping and influencing the NFL today? Answering those questions is the aim of the [Next Woman Up series](https://www.nfl.com/news/series/next-woman-up). While the conversational Q&As are edited and condensed for clarity, this is a forum for impactful women to share experiences in their own words. Without further ado, we introduce:_
_Position: Managing Director, Partnership Development_
**How did you get your start in a career in football?**
I was a communications major, majoring in journalism and public relations at the University of Washington, and I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Oddly enough, I ended up in the NFL because I was trying to figure out all the things I _didn't_ want to do. I did not want to go work at a PR agency. I did not want to go and write at a newspaper. So, as I was gaining experience, I went to the one thing that I always loved, which was football. So, I ended up working at a publication that covered the University of Washington and Washington State football teams and published the preseason glossy magazines for the NFL, all 32 teams. As I got closer to graduation, I called the Seahawks because the organization was right across the lake from my school, to see what sort of internships or introductory positions they had. They actually told me there was an internship program in the public relations department, so I applied and ended up getting it.
I started at a really unique moment in time, right before our late owner, Paul Allen, bought the team. The former owners tried to move the team to Southern California, so my very exciting opportunity to work in the NFL almost didn’t happen. But Mr. Allen went through a stadium referendum to build what is now Lumen Field, and I was able to stay on as an intern for two years. That was really a great start and set the groundwork to what’s now going into my 32nd season.
**I love how that worked out. Having been with the organization for 31 seasons, how has your role expanded? And what does your current position entail?**
I loved working in public relations, though it was very different at that moment in time than it is now, but I needed more speed in my day-to-day activity. So, if there was downtime, I would go help other departments -- scouting, game presentation, tickets. With the new ownership, our business operation exploded and our ticket office grew by four or five times. I was approached about corporate sales -- making sure all of our advertisers and brands were well-represented, things like that -- and it was like this person was speaking a foreign language to me. So, I was splitting time between PR and the sponsorship group, and I loved that energy. I started off supporting the sales team, managing activation that emerged into developing strategy and working with all of our business operations teams. I loved being part of the team that sold our hearts out, did a great job and made it happen. We exceeded expectations, and I was energized by that work.
We went through a transition where he team played in Husky Stadium for the 2000 and 2001 seasons, and our late owner had a college sports marketing entity. Through that, we were doing sponsorships with the university, naming rights deals and working on Washington State athletics, as well. We eventually moved to what is now Lumen Field, so it was just this really cool crash course in sponsorship activation. I loved that energy and got to wear a lot of hats and work in various roles within sponsorship, account management, activation and operations. I loved it all.
Along the way, I had a lot of great teammates ask me why I wasn’t in sales. I would always say, "I’m not a salesperson," but what I didn’t realize is my brain had been trained to understand how all the dots connect with football and how sponsorship can provide solutions. At one point, we were hiring for a director of sales position, and our candidate didn’t take the job. When that person declined, I immediately felt this shift in my body, like it was time for me to really stretch and try something new. I told my boss I wanted to throw my hat in the ring for the job. He told me to come in the next day and we would figure out how to transition into that space. So that’s when I moved into business development, which all about working in a different capacity with brands and people and integrating that work into our game day experience.
I continued to grow in that space, but I never want to get complacent. I’ve always looked at my career as a marathon, wanting to be thoughtful and present. I was in a meeting with [Chief Revenue Officer Amy Sprangers](https://www.nfl.com/news/next-woman-up-amy-sprangers-chief-revenue-officer-for-the-seattle-seahawks), and she said we were going to start a new business development team and that I was going to lead that team, focusing on new business for the Seahawks sponsorship portfolio. I work with such great people within our partner ecosystem, staff and the greater community.
Entering her 32nd season with the Seahawks, Gina Martinez Todd is pictured above with the late Scott Patrick, who greatly influenced her career. (Photo courtesy of Gina Martinez Todd)
**You're now serving as managing director of partnership development. What is the most challenging part about that role?**
The most challenging part is trying to stay on top of trends: _What are emerging categories? How are people elevating the fan experience?_ We're really obsessed with how we are delivering the game day experience to our fans, whether it's coming into Lumen Field or through the digital experience, and how brands can help us. You never have it figured out. We have to constantly be thinking forward, like, _That was great but where do we go now?_ That’s also the exciting part. It’s all about staying committed to learning.
**That’s a great point. The Seahawks are coming off a Super Bowl-winning campaign, so I can imagine the excitement around the team heading into this season. I’m curious: When the team wins a championship, has a losing season or just barely misses the playoffs, how does that affect what you do?**
There’s always that little extra when you’re coming off a Super Bowl because it’s so special. It’s so hard to win. You see the way the coaches and players prepare, and we have no control over what happens on the field. But I’m a big believer in controlling what we can control, and that’s our business. We have an amazing fan base, and the “12s” are so special to this organization. It’s about finding that connection with our partners and fans and where we can deliver business results consistently. So, whether you’re winning or not, we approach it the same way.
**Looking at your journey specifically, why do you think you've had so much success in your career?**
I said yes to a lot, especially early on. I just wanted to learn and I had this insatiable appetite to learn, which is where I found growth. I'm curious and I really believe in what our organizational priorities are and where we want to go in the community or from a business perspective. I’ve always believed I can be a really solid and consistent contributor to that vision. When I was young and working in PR, I knew that wasn't exactly what I wanted to do, but I was curious enough to find where I wanted to grow. That's when the light went on and it was all systems go.
I have always tried to know my tasks and how they help the greater good. I think that's helped with the longevity. I never thought in a million years, when I first started, that this was going to be a career. I just went where my heart was, which was football.
Martinez Todd (left) joined the Seahawks organization in 1995 and has been in her current role since April of 2025. (Photo courtesy of Gina Martinez Todd)
**I love that. Now, let’s turn to mentorship. Do you have any mentors, and what advice have you received from them?**
I've had so many over the years, but I'd probably say there are four or five who not only are mentors but are really part of that like consistent board of advisors, where they are there for me at any point. But the most influential person came early in my career: Scott Patrick, who started the sponsorship team and was vice president of that group. He was very welcoming and made me feel like I could do anything, even though I had no idea what I was really doing. I knew I had the tools and skills to do my assignment but didn’t know the business yet. He was this amazing coach who inspired me to dream big, and that has stayed with me. Scott unfortunately passed away in 2008.
When I think about my mentors -- a lot of whom are in the Seahawks organization, which has a history of amazing teammates -- there are just some consistent themes. They prioritize people, relationships and want to do the right thing. Getting to know people and building relationships are important, but when it’s time to get the job done, it’s about rolling up our sleeves and meeting the goal. Anytime I’ve had a moment with a leader, they are always present when you’re with them. They are in the moment, and that’s important. Those leaders are humble, driven and want others to win around them. There are so many positives, but they also know how to keep things real and have hard conversations. It’s how they meet people where they are. I’ve learned a lot about leadership styles; it’s a constant state of learning.
**And what advice do you have for other women looking to get into a career in this space?**
One of the things I hear a lot from women, and I certainly have been there myself, is overcoming your fears or feeling riddled with self-doubt. I’m a big believer that we all have those voices on our shoulders that are in your ear -- one is fire and one is fear. You have to figure out which voice you’re going to lean into. Listen to the fire, trust your gut and lean into the job or situation.
I also want to encourage just being the best at whatever it is you do. Don’t be the best woman for the job; be the best _person_ for the job. You’ll have setbacks -- everyone does -- but stay accountable to yourself, your team and keep moving forward.
**That’s great advice. I really like that. Having been in the league for over three decades, how have you seen the industry change for women?**
When I started, there weren't a lot of women in leadership roles, so it's been cool to see the emergence of women not only in the league but running departments and at the executive level. I’m really proud to be in an organization that recognizes that.
I remember as an intern, even working training camp, there wasn't even women's gear. It was just the smallest size of the men's stuff that fit you like a tent. Having women on the football side, as well. These are all things to be celebrated.
**And lastly, what are you most proud of?**
From a business perspective, I'm really proud of doing partnership deals that have win-win outcomes. I have made so many relationships along the way and I really do want our brands to win. I am a brand-loyal person through and through. I’m always drinking the right beverage and flying my partner airline. Our team worked extensively on the extension of our naming-rights deal and that was a really proud moment. We were so well-prepared that the process moved quickly once we started the pitch. It’s really rewarding to be part of and achieve those wins.
I’m also proud that my husband and I are raising two young men, and being present for them and their experiences is so important. I’m proud that I get to wear both hats -- do this job and prioritize my family.