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

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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.

SKILLS

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.