Martins & Smith Named to Orlando Magazine’s Power List

Orlando, FL -- Orlando Magic Chief Operating Officer Alex Martins and General Manager Otis Smith have been named as two of the “Most Powerful People in Orlando” by Orlando Magazine.

Martins ranked No. 11 on the magazine’s “50 Most Powerful People in Orlando” list which is available in its July 2009 issue, while Smith ranked No. 24.

Wrote Orlando Magazine on Martins: “Say hello to Mr. Downtown. The point man for Orlando’s NBA franchise, Martins is a driving force behind the construction of the events center, which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2010. He’s a member of numerous influential organizations and he is the face of the Magic’s community service work, in particular on projects that help disadvantaged kids. Plus he has dominion over marketing and ticket sales. As the Magic have gained in stature, so has Martins.”

Wrote Orlando Magazine on Smith: “As the person who decides on player personnel for the Orlando Magic, Smith holds the power to put O-town basketball fans in good moods for years to come. And good moods get people fired about the team and bring them to the arena. The 2008-09 rise of the Magic to the level of NBA title contenders gave Orlando national exposure beyond its usual identity as a tourism town. Having a winning major sports team boosts civic pride, if only until the beginning of the next season.”

Martins moved up 14 spots on the list, as he ranked No. 25 in 2008. It is Smith’s first appearance on the list.

Martins was previously honored by the Orlando Business Journal as one of Central Florida’s Most Influential Business Men in 2008, while Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel ranked him No. 10 on his most recent "The 25 Most Powerful People in Central Florida” list.