Hi, I'm Matt
As a journalist, I learned how to ask questions, analyze information and produce content on tight deadlines. Those skills served me well through career advances that have afforded me new roles and responsibilities. Today I’m a multimedia communicator with expertise in writing, editing, video production and digital strategy. Regardless of the medium, I believe in the power of storytelling to move people to action.
EXPERIENCE
Director of Communications
May 2016 – Present
COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Oversee communications strategy and execution for 2,200-member church on the edge of uptown Charlotte. Generate content for newsletters, website, targeted emails and social media channels, design and manage fundraising campaigns, shoot and edit video, manage relationships with vendors and uphold branding standards.
Director of Marketing
September 2014 – May 2016
YWCA CENTRAL CAROLINAS
Managed print and digital marketing, branding and media relations for one of Charlotte’s leading nonprofit organizations. Led an advocacy team to mobilize support for social justice, envisioned and produced newsletters, targeted emails, fundraising materials and news releases intended to advance YWCA’s mission.
Director of Communications
January 2013 – September 2014
SOUTH MECKLENBURG PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Built a website, launched a targeted email program, created a social media presence, crafted messaging for a capital campaign, assisted with video production and published a monthly newsletter for 1,100-member church in south Charlotte.
City Government Reporter
March 2011 – December 2012
THE (RALEIGH) NEWS & OBSERVER
Wrote about business, economic development, health care and public transit for daily metro edition and twice-weekly community editions.
Chief Political Reporter
January 2005 – March 2011
THE (ROCK HILL, S.C.) HERALD
Wrote about local, state and presidential elections. Started The Herald’s first election blog and appeared on CSPAN and Charlotte Talks radio program.
City Government Reporter
January 2013 – September 2014
THE (ROCK HILL, S.C.) HERALD
Wrote about city government, including business, growth and development.
Editor-in-Chief
Spring 2003 – Fall 2004
THE DAVIDSONIAN
Earned appointment to top role at Davidson College’s weekly student newspaper.
EDUCATION
Degree in Political Science
2004, Davidson, NC
DAVIDSON COLLEGE
Studied Public Policy, Politics of the Middle East and Ethics in the News Media.
Internship
Summer, 2003, Washington, D.C.
U.S. REP. BOB ETHERIDGE
Attended committee hearings, handled office functions and gave Capitol tours.
VOLUNTEER & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Graduate
COMMUNITY BUILDING INITIATIVE
LEADERS UNDER 40
Completed a yearlong program that engages professionals and emerging community leaders who seek to embrace diversity and inclusion.
Co-Chair
PRESBYTERY OF CHARLOTTE STEWARDSHIP TEAM
Led communications to showcase the impactful work of the Presbytery of Charlotte, a group that represents area Presbyterian churches.
Volunteer
HANDS ON CHARLOTTE
Served as reading and language tutor for adults seeking GEDs.
Volunteer
MEN'S SHELTER OF CHARLOTTE
Served Saturday meals for more than 15 years at uptown men’s shelter.
PROVIDENCE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Parent of two children and active supporter of school programs and initiatives.
Parent
Adobe Creative Suite
InDesign, Photoshop, Spark
Video Production and Editing
Movie Maker
SKILLS
Microsoft Office Suite
Social Media Management
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Vimeo
Web Publishing
Drupal, WIX
Email Marketing
Constant Contact, MailChimp
PROFESSIONAL AWARDS
City Government Reporting,
South Carolina Press Association, 2010
Received first-place statewide award for local news coverage in Rock Hill, SC.
Election Reporting,
South Carolina Press Association, 2011
Received second-place statewide award for coverage of fall 2010 elections in Rock Hill, SC.