Martell Covington

Government Relations Associate

Pittsburgh

(412) 620-6528

(412) 275-2390

Recent News:

Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies Adds Former Pennsylvania State Representative Martell Covington to Pittsburgh Office

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced the addition of Martell Covington as government relations associate in its Pittsburgh office.

Drawing on a career spent in the halls of Harrisburg, government relations within the health care sector, and leadership roles across Pittsburgh’s nonprofit community, Martell helps clients build lasting relationships with elected officials, navigate legislative processes and political landscapes, and advance key priorities across the city of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

A native Pittsburgher, Martell previously served as a state representative for Pennsylvania’s 24th House District, where he secured more than $28 million in grants and investments for infrastructure, housing, and youth programs. Before serving in the legislature, he was a legislative aide to Pennsylvania Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, and supported critical initiatives for the Pittsburgh region by serving as district liaison across 30 boroughs, townships, and neighborhoods and managing relationships with more than 50 state agencies on behalf of constituents, community organizations, and stakeholders.

Most recently, Martell served as intergovernmental affairs program director for University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). While at UPMC, he designed the health system’s government and community engagement strategy for its Pittsburgh-area hospital facilities and led community relations for major capital projects, including UPMC Presbyterian’s bed tower expansion and the Children’s Heart Institute. During his tenure, he cultivated strategic relationships with elected officials, government agencies, community organizations, and civic leaders across Allegheny County and Pennsylvania, while amplifying community perspective and an equity-centered viewpoint to the development of the health system’s advocacy strategies.

Martell currently serves on Governor Josh Shapiro’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs and the Allegheny County Office of Violence Prevention Community Advisory Board.

Martell earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Howard University and is a graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh’s Leadership Development Initiative, Class XXVII.

test

Experience

News

Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies Adds Former Pennsylvania State Representative Martell Covington to Pittsburgh Office

August 03, 2026

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced the addition of Martell Covington as government relations associate in its Pittsburgh office.

Education

  • Howard University, B.B.A., 2010

Awards & Honors

Black Trailblazer, City & State Pennsylvania, 2025

Distinguished Alumni Award, Crossroads Foundation, 2023

Emerging Leader Award, Omega Psi Phi Iota Phi Foundation, 2021

Leadership Award, Oakland Business Improvement District, 2020

Fab 40, New Pittsburgh Courier, 2018

40 Under 40, Pittsburgh Magazine, 2018

Homewood Heroes, The American Project, 2017

Board Chair, Community Empowerment Association

Board Member, Kelly Strayhorn Theater

Board Member, Gwen’s Girls

Board Member, Jada House International

Board Emeritus (US Board), Open Field

Former Assistant Coach, Homewood Community Sports