Marty Fortin’s resume has far too many segments – each with their own subsegments, all extending far beyond the limits of this page – to include in such a relatively short write-up. From coach to principal to presenter, Fortin’s reach has positively benefited the lives of students, coaches, administrators, and all others who’ve taken stake in the ongoings of the WIAA over the past 50 years.

Broadly, in the words of Cindy Adsit, “Marty Fortin is probably the most knowledgeable person in the state of Washington regarding Associated Student Body law.” That’s no exaggeration. Fortin has presented on just about every topic known to sport in his years as a contributing member of the association. He’s spoken at the past 20 Coaches Schools and led over 100 ASB rules workshops. For each of the past 40 years, Marty has delivered a presentation at the annual Washington Activities Coordinators Association Conference.

A highly influential member of the youth cheer community, Fortin was a Spirit Advisory Council member and clinician throughout the 90s, leading the Association of Washington School Principals’ (ASWP) summer Cheer Camp from 1994-1997. He coached cheer at Yelm HS in the 80s, at which time he also coached on the wrestling, football, and track programs at Yelm and Mt. Tahoma. Fortin even spent 11 years as Yelm’s Activities and Athletic Director.

Since 1989, Fortin has lent his time as a member of the Mat Classic Tournament Staff, currently managing the boys’ 4A bracket. As an Executive Staff member for AWSP, he worked as a member of the association’s Leadership Camp’s staff from 1979-2019, serving as its director from 2000-2019. 

While Fortin has made his mark in nearly every nook and cranny of Washington state education, some of his greatest impacts have revolved around the outdoors. The renaissance man of youth athletics and activities is a past president and former board member of both OSPI’s Environmental Education Advisory Committee and the Environmental Education Association. He’s also a Camping Board of Stewards and Washington FFA Association Board Member, holding down the Vice President position since 2020. 

From 2013 to 2019, Fortin collaborated on and developed the OSPI “Dare to Dream” program for migrant youth, supporting credit accrual access for high school students. He also worked statewide for the creation and passage of the “Outdoor School for All” legislation.

Highly decorated in awards from a wide variety of committees and associations across the state, Fortin’s full list of accolades could fill an appendix the size of this entire program. And behind each of his multifaceted, wide-ranging interactions, “Marty always made students the priority, showed compassion for others, and inspired many to reach beyond their expectations.”