Community Corner

Who is Columbia Association's Soon-to-Be President?

Get to know more about CA's incoming president.

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The new president of the Columbia Association is Milton Matthews.

Here's a look at some of his resumé, based on information from CA.

  • Community management experience: Matthews was the CEO of the Reston Association from 2004 to 2013. There, he handled day-to-day operations, managed operating and capital budgets and oversaw a staff of full- and part-time employees. He left that position in 2013 when his wife became city manager in Rockville, which has a residency requirement, according to Reston Patch.
  • Government experience: Matthews was city manager, assistant city manager and director of finance and administration for the city of Webster Groves, MO. Upon leaving the Webster Groves city government in 2000, he told the local newspaper he was looking not for a greener pasture but a "different pasture," stating: "I need to get started, otherwise I may still be working for government 20 years from now."
  • Educational experience: Matthews has a master's degree in city and regional planning from Ohio State University, as well as a master's degree in public administration from Syracuse University's Maxwell School.
"Mr. Matthews brings skills and experience from having operated an organization similar to CA, as well as skills acquired in previous positions as a city manager," Andrew Stack, chair of CA's board of directors, said. "He is familiar with CA and has worked with CA staff on several occasions."

Matthews, who currently resides in Rockville, will be relocating to Columbia soon, according to a statement from CA. Stack said there will likely be a meet and greet so citizens can get to know the new president.

When Matthews left his post in Virginia as CEO of Reston Association, citizens described him as "a true gentleman, a consummate professional" who "always treats everyone with respect" and has "integrity and concern for the people of this special place," according to Reston Patch.

Related: New Columbia Association President Hails from 'Sister City'

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