Doug Matthews

Doug has 25+ years of experience in local governments in Florida and Texas working primarily in the communications, community engagement and technology innovation before moving to west Michigan as Deputy City Manager. In Grand Rapids, he oversees administrative and strategic operations, along with the City’s public works and enterprise utilities. Over his career, he has designed and launched initiatives focused on open data, digital engagement and innovation in Clearwater, Florida; Austin, Texas and in Grand Rapids. His work with civic technology startups spans two decades and includes early engagement with Granicus, Archive Social, Bang the Table (now EngagementHQ), Open Cities and dozens of others. His work to foster civic technology and innovation has also included participation with Code for America and service on the Board of Directors for the Alliance for Innovation and for the Michigan Municipal Services Authority. He is also a member of the advisory board for Grand Valley State University’s interdisciplinary Masters of Social Innovation program. Doug’s passion focuses around enhancing government effectiveness through transformative culture, open and active community engagement, partnerships and communication. He’s particularly interested in innovation models, cultural transformation, development of strategic public/private/nonprofit partnerships, and human-centered design for process improvement.