Matt Mitchell came to the Tampa YMCA, in 2017, from the YMCA of Greater San Antonio where he was the executive vice president and chief operating officer. Since then, he has strengthened local community collaborations and partnerships, increased annual charitable contributions, secured significant capital contributions and built a strong Y brand throughout Tampa Bay. Last year, Mitchell and his team of staff and volunteers impacted more than 250,000 children, teens, adults, senior citizens, cancer survivors, chronically ill community members, at-risk youth, infants and toddlers through Y programs and outreach events.
In 2023, the Tampa Metro YMCA reinvested over $12 million back into the immediate community through scholarships and subsidized programs.
1. College alma mater? University Wisconsin – Oshkosh and University Wisconsin – Milwaukee.
2. Favorite TV show of all time? The Offer… short, one-season, masterpiece.
3. Preferred place for a business meeting? I love to catch a casual café con leche and conversation at Café Quiquiriqui (Hotel Haya).
4. Social media time suck of choice? I really do not have one… to the disappointment of my communications team.
5. What time do you wake up on workdays? Typically 6:00 a.m.
6. What’s a life hack you swear by? We purchased a lawn service, against my stern objection, about 20 years ago and I have never looked back.
7. A movie that terrified you as a child? I have older siblings and they were watching Poltergeist when I was a kid. Took me about two minutes to come to the realization that I was not a horror flick fan.
8. Favorite local restaurant? Tough question. There are so many good local spots. Oak and Ola for lunch, I always take guests to Edison, when in town… and I never say no to Rooster & The Till.
9. Last book you read? “World Travel… travel experiences through the eyes of Anthony Bourdain.”
10. Biggest business failure? Genuine relationships are really important to me. I wish I had invested more time with some folks who have been critical to me along my professional journey. Life moves so fast and this can sometimes take a backseat.
11. Best concert you’ve ever seen, live? The next one… is there anything better than live music?
12. Something you cook really well? I can grill just about anything.
13. Most famous person you’ve ever met? I have been fortunate to have met a number of influential people… but in light of his recent passing, I’d have to say, Bill Walton. Several colleagues and I were able to spend some time with him a few years back and nobody, I mean nobody, was a better storyteller. R.I.P.
14. Coca-Cola or Pepsi? Coke. I only have a few a year… so it tastes that much better when I do have one.
15. How do you manage the volume of emails you receive? Prioritize what’s most critical day-to-day. Everything else simply has to wait.
16. Last thing you ordered from Amazon? Honestly, I might be the only person I know who does not have an Amazon account. I actually like going to the store!
17. Most used emoji? Has be the Crying with Laughter emoji. I’m fortunate to have some witty friends.
18. Charity you support? The Y is obviously my primary charity. I am privileged to see how this organization can enhance lives each and every day. However, there are a lot of great charities throughout Tampa Bay deserving of our community’s support.
19. What is something silly you got in trouble for as a child? Dear Editor, I invoke my Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination and respectfully decline to answer your question.
20. Best advice ever received? Matt… just take a deep breath and slow it down.