Prior to joining the Forum, he was Director of Public Policy & Special Projects for the Southeastern Council of Foundations (now Philanthropy Southeast), where he worked to ensure the legislative and regulatory success of the philanthropic sector in the South. Before he began leading advocacy efforts on behalf of the philanthropic sector, most of Matthew’s professional career has been shaped in Washington, D.C., having held multiple positions that gave him direct experience in working with elected officials, corporations, and associations, leading advocacy efforts for several national organizations.

Throughout his time in philanthropy, Matthew has served on the public policy committees of the Forum, Independent Sector, and the Council on Foundations. Currently, he is the Vice Chair of the Nonprofit VOTE Board of Directors and serves as a member of the organization’s National Leadership Council. He also is a member of the Funders Census Initiative Leadership team. Matthew holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Tennessee State University, an HBCU in Nashville, Tennessee.