George K. Martin is the former managing partner of the Richmond office of McGuire Woods. He practices in the areas of construction and commercial real estate. He has more than 25 years of experience handling construction-related transactions, including joint ventures, public-private partnerships, and project finance transactions. In 2013, Martin became the first African American rector of the University of Virginia, a position first held by Thomas Jefferson. During his tenure, he helped seat a nonvoting faculty member on the board and met with a group of student leaders before every board meeting. He also helped establish a committee focusing on diversity and inclusion. Martin holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia and a JD from Howard University School of Law.