Hometown: Charleston, SC
Years on the Board: 1
Education: B.A. Russian, Trinity College (CT), M.A. Educational Leadership and Administration, George Washington University (DC)
Courses Taken: Two courses out West (in Montana and in Colorado) specializing in backpacking, rock climbing and navigation off trail. More recently, Matt has spent each of the last two winters paddling in the Everglades with Outward Bounds Group Education Programs chaperoning 8th grade crews.
Professional Background: Upon graduation from college in 1999, Matt spent almost five years as an analyst in investment banking with Baring Asset Management, a British bank. Soon discovering that banking wouldn't become his passion, he began a career working in independent schools as he became Director of Annual Giving, assistant lacrosse coach and dorm parent at Woodberry Forest School. After three years at Woodberry, Matt became the Executive Director of the Porter-Gaud School Foundation in Charleston, and has served in that capacity the last five years.
Why Matt serves on the Board: Having completed more than four courses with Outward Bound over the years, and leading a course annually for 8th graders from Porter-Gaud School, I understand and realize the power and impact Kurt Hahn's philosophy and experiential education can have on students and adults alike. I always feel refreshed when returning from an OB course; I hold a greater sense of value to those I love, and a desire to do more with what I have.
Self-reliance, a key tenet of the Blue Peter, compels me to work harder, try new things, and explore the unknown. Serving on the board permits me the platform to provide the same experience for generations of students and explorers in the future. Securing that future for NCOBS is where board members can have the greatest impact.
My greatest OB moment has to be the day of the night paddle in the Everglades. Watching students react when told of the task ahead of them often results in tears and fear of the unknown. An hour into the paddle, every student remarks how it is the coolest experience of their lives. That is the moment they remember most and builds that spirit within.