First elected: 2021
Current term expires: January, 2025

Matt grew up in a Midwestern family that spent the bulk of their free time hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and enjoying the fruits of conserved land.  This led him to pursue degrees in Conservation Biology and Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin (go Badgers), and to spend his early professional life working at a conservancy that promoted and monitored easements throughout the state.  He ultimately found his calling as a teacher, and has spent most of the past 15 years working in that field as a naturalist, outdoor educator, garden educator, and classroom teacher in Washington, California, Nevada, Wisconsin, Portugal, and Michigan. 

He has primarily sought to use gardening and other direct experiences and service projects (e.g. raising and releasing salmon via the Michigan DNR) to build appreciation for and knowledge of the natural world in young people, and to “plant the seeds” of conservation in their lives.  He was honored to accept the Tree Conservationist of the Year Award in 2019 on behalf of Emerson School for the work they have done there to establish a Food Forest and Permaculture-style garden on a previously degraded corner of the property. 

​Matt is excited to work to use the results of the 2021 Resource Assessment to support and promote conservation in the county.  When not teaching or learning the ropes at WCCD, he is likely to be found working hard with his wife Jyl and 3 young boys (Finnegan, River, and Aldo) on their blossoming food forest and garden in Dexter Township, or out enjoying the many beautiful natural areas that Washtenaw County has to offer.