I’m grateful for the opportunity to reflect on my career journey, the experiences that shaped me, and the purpose behind the work I do. Throughout my professional life, I’ve been driven by a passion for operational clarity, meaningful partnerships, and helping organizations find solutions that bring out their best. Here is my biography.

Over the past 10+ years, I've had the opportunity to grow from a frontline guest experience leader at Disney to a strategic systems architect at Stripe—combining creativity, technical innovation, and a passion for people. I'm excited to take the next step and pursue board service opportunities where I can contribute my values and expertise to organizations seeking transformative leadership. Here is my biography.

In the face of rising pressures and shrinking resources, AI offers commercial teams more than just automation—it offers a chance to rethink how work gets done. The real productivity crisis isn’t a lack of effort, but outdated systems that prioritize motion over progress. By strategically integrating AI into workflows—using local models for routine tasks, RAG systems for contextual relevance, and large language models for strategic insight—teams can unlock meaningful capacity, not just more output. But technology alone isn’t the answer. True transformation comes from designing systems with clarity, intention, and a focus on outcomes—where humans and AI collaborate, not compete.

In times of uncertainty, it’s natural for small business leaders to hesitate — to conserve resources and delay big decisions until things feel more stable. But in today’s rapidly evolving market, waiting isn’t a neutral act; it’s often the most costly choice you can make. Every outdated system, manual process, or missed automation opportunity silently compounds inefficiencies, draining your team and stalling your growth. The businesses that thrive through volatility aren’t the ones with the biggest budgets — they’re the ones with the strongest discipline, intentional processes, and a mindset of continuous improvement. Inaction may feel safe, but in reality, it’s often the riskiest move of all.

Matt Tarzwell is a seasoned project manager and technology leader specializing in government IT modernization, with a proven track record of implementing large-scale digital transformation initiatives across multiple state agencies. With expertise in regulatory compliance, cloud computing, and data integration, he has successfully led high-impact projects that streamline operations, enhance digital services, and improve efficiency for millions of constituents. His leadership in initiatives such as Maryland’s Customer Connect project and Idaho’s statewide licensing system consolidation has set new benchmarks for innovation and effectiveness in public-sector technology. A strategic thinker with strong technical acumen, Matt excels in driving complex projects from concept to completion, ensuring seamless collaboration between stakeholders, executive leadership, and development teams.