The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s Concord Young Professionals Network (CYPN) introduces you to another “Young Professional of the Month,” Matt Walsh.
How old are you: 39
Where do you live? Pembroke. (I really just sleep there as I spend most of my time in Concord.)
Where do you currently work? I’m the director of redevelopment, downtown services and special projects for the city of Concord.
Where did you go to school? University of New Hampshire: Bachelor of Science in community development (I minored in resource economics), and a master’s degree in public administration.
What do you like to do for fun? I enjoy hiking, running, boating, water skiing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, painting landscapes, theatre, concerts, visiting museums and historic sites, antiquing, brewery tours and traveling.
Favorite places to be? Any place outdoors! I especially love being on my boat on Lake Winnipesaukee.
Last book you’ve read? The last book I finished was Go Set a Watchman. I’m currently picking away at Following Atticus, and American Sweepstakes (the story of how the N.H. lottery was established). Yeah, I love books with a New Hampshire theme.
How did you find out about CYPN and how has it benefited your business or you personally? I became involved with CYPN a decade ago through my role with the city. CYPN is important in helping to retain and recruit young professionals to the Concord area. Specifically, it serves a vital role helping YP’s establish business and social connections, which hopefully will result in them staying in the Concord area.
What organizations are you involved with? In addition to the CYPN Steering Committee, I’m on the board of directors for Intown Concord, and an appointee to the N.H. Community Development Finance Authority’s Community Development Advisory Committee. I’m also a member of the Community Players of Concord, where I help with set building and crew productions from time to time.
Most inspirational person in your life: I am inspired by people that have endured tragedies, but found the strength and resolve to continue on and make the most of their lives.
Greatest role model? My parents and grandparents.
What’s your favorite restaurant in Concord? O’s Steak & Seafood.
What’s your favorite place to go in Concord? I really enjoy the Jim Hill River Walk Trail on Runnells Road. It’s a beautiful place to walk or hike along the Contoocook River.
Favorite movie of all time? Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. I’m also a big fan of Clint Eastwood’s Gran Torino.
What is one of your life goals? To make a positive difference in my community, and to leave it in better condition for the next generation.
What has been your favorite CYPN event so far? CYPN’s 10th birthday party was a blast!
Favorite famous person? I have many. However, I really admire Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill.
If you could visit any country, where would you go? Oh, so many choices! The UK, New Zealand or maybe Iceland.
Where is the best place you’ve visited? I recently visited Greece. Fascinating time to visit given the economic and social issues it is currently experiencing.
Who would you really like to meet? If I had a time machine, I’d like to meet Meriwether Lewis and William Clark.
Tell us a few interesting facts about yourself! I earned my undergraduate degree when I was 20. I’ve worked for the city of Concord for 15 years in various capacities. I take painting classes at Kimball Jenkins School of Art. I’m halfway through hiking New Hampshire’s 48 4,000-footers.
The Concord Young Professionals Network (CYPN) is a professional and personal development initiative of the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce. CYPN is a vibrant program that promotes networking opportunities for young professionals (generally 22-40s) by helping them make connections in the community and providing them with a casual, non-intimidating setting. CYPN hosts complimentary events on the third Wednesday of every month at various Concord venues. For more info, connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/concordypn, Instagram at instagram.com/cypn and Twitter at twitter.com/ConcordYP.
