Matt is an accomplished manager and leader with broad experience in local government. He values open government, innovation, and teamwork and has a passion for leadership and public service.
Before joining CRCOG, Matt was West Hartford's ninth Town Manager. He is currently an adjunct
faculty member with the University of Connecticut's Department of Public Policy. He is also an active member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the Connecticut Town and City Management Association (CTCMA).
Matt earned his Juris Doctor (JD) and Master's in Public Affairs (MPA) from the University of Connecticut and his Bachelor's degree in political science from the State University of New York at Potsdam.
Q: How have your previous work experiences helped prepare you for this role?
A: Over the past 27 years, I have worked for three communities in CRCOG – Windsor, Mansfield, and West Hartford. All three of those communities enjoy a well-deserved reputation for good government. I also served in the military and worked for several years in a small business environment. I have been fortunate to meet many positive role models along the way – managers, elected officials, and coworkers. From these experiences, I'm very familiar with how local government works in Connecticut and am knowledgeable about best practices across a variety of disciplines, including those most relevant to the role and CRCOG – intergovernmental relations, planning and development, service sharing, capital planning, public safety and emergency management, DEI, and more.
Over the years, I have built a strong working relationship with many of the key players in our region at the local, state, and federal levels. I also teach as an adjunct in the UCONN Department of Public Policy, which helps keep me connected to public policy and administration developments. (Trust me that there is nothing as humbling or inspiring as regularly interacting with a group of sharp and inquisitive students who aren't afraid to ask the hard questions.) In addition, I have developed national and global connections based on my affiliation with ICMA and my service on the ICMA board of directors.
I believe that all these life experiences, collectively, have put me in an excellent position to take on the challenges associated with the role of CRCOG's executive director. I am excited about the opportunity and look forward to the challenge.
Q: What is your priority as you transition into this new role? What do you want to accomplish as executive director this year?
A: It's hard to boil it down to one priority, but I will concentrate on a handful. For one, I will focus on getting to know the CRCOG staff team as well as the newer members of the policy board and other key COG contacts. Over the coming year, I plan to visit each of our 38 members to listen and learn more about their challenges and priorities and talk about the excellent work that CRCOG is doing and what more we can do together. Second, we will soon finalize CRCOG's legislative priorities for the coming session of the General Assembly, and I will be working with our team and key legislators to advance those objectives.
Third, we have a unique opportunity to leverage ARPA and other federal and state funds to make strategic investments in infrastructure and regional initiatives to benefit our region for years to come. Good examples are transportation, waste management, clean energy, affordable housing, broadband, and stormwater. And, lastly, I want to work with the Policy Board, staff, and other key stakeholders to update our vision and strategic priorities to provide us with a solid focus for the next three-five years.
Q: What's a favorite quote that inspires you?
A: I have two. I enjoy reading biographies and am inspired by historical figures. I have admired Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. since I first read his Letter from Birmingham Jail while in high school. His 1957 quote - "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'what are you doing for others?" – resonates with me as someone that has devoted his career to public service. But people across all economic sectors and walks of life can readily embrace the sentiment expressed here – that our life truly has meaning when we are focused on helping others in some constructive way, no matter how big or how small.
I would also highlight Eleanor Roosevelt's quote, "Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't." As leaders in the public sector, we are sometimes hesitant to take a risk or a chance on something we believe in because we are concerned about a negative backlash. While public opinion is essential, we occasionally need to push the envelope to make progress. If we're constantly afraid of the negative consequences of doing what we think is right, we will not get much accomplished. And, if we're going to get criticized, we might as well make it worthwhile.
Q: Can you share a fun fact our CRCOG community may not know about you?
A: A fun fact? Hmm, that's a good one. I love to watch our two teenage daughters play volleyball or softball and help them pursue their passions. I'm also a city hall junkie – I drive my family crazy when we travel as I have to see the city or town hall everywhere we go. I can't help it. It's part of my DNA now.
