Environment

As the California Offshore Drilling Campaign Manager, Matt leads Surfrider's campaign to prevent new offshore drilling off California's coast. He works across the federal and state policy landscape, partnering with Surfrider chapters, coalition partners, businesses, Tribal governments, and coastal communities to advance science-based policies and strategic advocacy efforts that protect California's coast and ocean. 

Matt holds a Master of Environmental Science and Management from UC Santa Barbara's Bren School, and has previously worked with NOAA Fisheries, the California State Lands Commission, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and Protect Our Winters. Prior to joining Surfrider, he founded Mako Strategies, a consulting firm that helps scientists, nonprofits, government agencies, and academic institutions translate science into effective policy, communications, and conservation outcomes. 

Originally from New York, Matt has spent many years living and working across the West Coast, though he's called California home for almost a decade. An avid cyclist and skier, but a fair-weather surfer, he enjoys exploring California's mountains and coastline. When he's not adventuring outdoors, you can find him spending time with friends and family, relaxing with a good book, or (still) learning to play guitar.