Mat Mathews
Chief Technology Officer
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Mat Mathews is the first chief technology officer for Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), leading digital transformation, product development, business intelligence and cybersecurity. Before joining the organization in 2018, he spent nearly two decades proudly supporting the United States National Security Community in counterterrorism, counter-trafficking, and cyber defense.
During this time, Mat developed his skills and credentials in cybersecurity, data privacy, analytics and product development. Shortly after returning to Atlanta, Mat took on the role of BGCA’s head of security and networks. Mat also serves in his community as a Permanent Deacon in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta.
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Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
I was recruited to the U.S. National Security community, and I had to use math, science and tech to combat an evolving threat by building data-centric products and technical teams.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
We serve our staff, not the other way around.
What is the greatest challenge your particular C-level role is facing today, and how are you addressing it?
Defining company culture in a hybrid work world is the greatest challenge today.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CIO?
The key to success is to find peers and mentors in the field, not necessarily in the same industry, and connect with them regularly.
How do you measure success as a leader?
Standard answer: Measurable outcomes (e.g. decrease costs, increase revenue). Heartfelt answer: Developing your staff to become leaders and one day see them leave you to enact what they learned from you.
What is the value of being a member of the Evanta community?
Evanta allows us to share community and peer insights in a friendly and safe-space environment.
Evanta Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.
by CIOs, for CIOs
Join the conversation with peers in your local CIO community.