40 under 40: Troy Matthews, Barton Foundation

Tahoe Chamber | July 10, 2018 | 40 Under 40

Since joining the Barton Foundation as their executive director and moving to Tahoe four years ago, Troy Matthews has been one of the South Shore’s busiest community members.

At the Barton Foundation, he’s spearheading a variety of community health initiatives and fundraising efforts. He’s also involved with Tahoe Regional Young Professionals, Leadership Lake Tahoe, South Tahoe Drug Free Coalition, and is an elected member of the Lake Tahoe Unified School District School Board.

Congratulations to Troy Matthews, the latest honoree of our 40 under 40 series!

Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?

I am the Executive Director of the Barton Foundation. The Barton Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides financial support to Barton Health, grants to local non-profits, and support to community health initiatives. My job crosses many different fields from fundraising, marketing, event production, and to community benefit advocacy, which means I work with local public health experts to tackle big health issues in South Lake Tahoe.

I have the best job in the world. I get to lead some amazing projects to benefit everyone in South Lake Tahoe. I get to spend time with generous people who believe in supporting our local nonprofit independent community hospital so that it can continue to provide high-quality patient care. Barton Foundation has been around since 1990 and it carries weight in our community because of the history of the people who have been involved. I have an incredible Board of Trustees comprised of twenty top tier locals, and a staff of four who are at the top of their respective skill sets.

What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?

Raising over $70,000 for Mental and Behavioral Health Services at the Barton Gala last year. Honestly, getting this job, I had some pretty talented and experienced competition. I was so honored to be picked. Right now I am working on a few exciting projects that should come to fruition in the next couple months. Stay tuned.

Do you have a professional/life mantra that you try to live by?

To whom much is given, much is expected. I consider myself to be pretty lucky, and I have always taken that as a sign that my purpose is to help the less fortunate.

What was your first job?

[I was a] sandwich-maker at Togo’s Sandwiches. It was actually very fun and a great company. Now that I’m a published food blogger with my wife, I think it is super cool that my first job was in food even though I was a teenager at the time.

Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?

My wife and I honeymooned here four years ago and decided to stay. We were living in the Bay Area at the time and had discussed purchasing a vacation home here. After we got back to reality, we realized we didn’t just want to vacation in Tahoe—we wanted to live here, so we looked for work. I was hired over the phone by my former boss after a two-hour interview sitting in my car. He told me I needed to start right away. I walked back into my apartment and told my wife, “pack up, we’re moving to Tahoe.” After living here a month, she got a job at the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. Six months later we owned a home here. Like I said, we are lucky.

Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?

I have been heavily involved with TRYP (Tahoe Regional Young Professionals) and sat on their Board for two and half years. I am a graduate of Leadership Lake Tahoe and serve on the Leadership Lake Tahoe Task Force. I was the project director of the South Tahoe Drug Free Coalition. I am a co-founder and steering committee member of Progress for Tahoe. I have performed in plays at the Valhalla Boathouse Theater and remain active in the local arts community through the Tahoe Arts Alliance. My wife and I are published food writers about the Reno/Tahoe food scene. But what I am most proud of is being an elected member of the Lake Tahoe Unified School District School Board. Our local schools are advanced and innovative, our students and teachers are amazing, and I am so proud to serve our community in that capacity.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

Cook. And eat. And write about what I eat. And Kayak, and hike, and spend time outdoors in Tahoe, the most beautiful place in the world. And spend time with my badass friends.

Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds?

Lake Tahoe Aleworx, The Flight Deck, Sidellis Brewery, South Lake Brewing Co., The Lake House, Chimayo, The Beacon, Coldwater Brewery, Artemis, Fox and Hound, Jimmy’s, Coachman Hotel, Mott Canyon, too many to name.

Get in touch with Troy today:
Barton Foundation
Email Troy
530-543-5612

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