About me
Matt grew up in Othello, WA, and moved to Spokane after graduating from high school to attend Eastern Washington University (EWU). Seeking a new environment beyond the small-town setting, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies, with a focus on music, sociology, and anthropology. After college, Matt continued bartending, intrigued by the unique social dynamics of Spokane’s gay bars and the relationships between various LGBTQ+ groups and nonprofits.
His passion for music eventually led him to become a karaoke host and DJ, which opened doors to working closely with small nonprofits to help produce their events. Matt began volunteering with Outspokane in 2014, joined the board in 2016, and took charge of entertainment for Spokane Pride events. In 2020, Outspokane rebranded as Spokane Pride, and Matt stepped up to lead the organization as President in 2023. Later that year, he became Spokane Pride's first Executive Director. Matt’s primary passion lies in uniting LGBTQ+ communities and expanding Pride events both in Spokane and across the region.