MATTHEW ZWICKER
Corvallis,Montana
Summary
Strategic executive leader with extensive experience in education administration and nonprofit leadership. Proven ability to lead complex operations, manage multimillion-dollar budgets, and drive organizational growth through governance, cross-functional team leadership, and partnership development. Demonstrated expertise in K–12 and higher education systems, supporting enrollment-adjacent services, operational efficiency, and stakeholder experience. Recognized for translating strategy into execution and delivering high-impact, mission-driven outcomes with clarity and operational rigor.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
Hamilton Downtown Association & Foundation
Hamilton, Montana
04.2025 - Current
- Lead Main Street–aligned economic development and downtown revitalization strategy, overseeing operations for both 501(c)(6) and 501(c)(3) entities.
- Set and execute organizational strategy across economic vitality, placemaking, promotion, governance, and sustainability.
- Secure and steward grants, sponsorships, and philanthropic funding, ensuring compliance, reporting, and strong donor relationships.
- Direct organizational budgets, financial systems, and program investments in partnership with Boards and Treasurers.
- Produce and scale signature community events, driving commerce, tourism, and civic engagement.
- Oversee communications, branding, media, and digital strategy to strengthen visibility and stakeholder alignment.
- Lead business outreach and cross-sector partnerships with municipal agencies, chambers, schools, and regional economic organizations.
Head of School
Foothills Community Christian School
Great Falls, Montana
06.2023 - 06.2024
- Served as chief executive officer, providing leadership for academics, operations, personnel, and institutional culture.
- Directed faculty and staff recruitment, evaluation, and professional development in alignment with Board policies and bylaws.
- Led strategic planning, annual budgeting, and long-range institutional development across curriculum, facilities, and staffing.
- Partnered with the Board and Advancement team on fundraising, donor engagement, and external relations.
- Oversaw admissions, enrollment management, and community partnerships to support sustainability and growth.
Head of School
Hamilton Christian Academy
Hamilton, Montana
07.2021 - 06.2023
- Provided executive leadership across governance, finance, academics, development, and operations.
- Led fundraising and donor strategy, including acquisition, retention, major gifts, and events.
- Collaborated with the School Board on budgeting, tuition modeling, compensation planning, and capital expenditures.
- Directed financial aid administration, balancing access, equity, and institutional sustainability.
- Oversaw human capital management, including contracts, evaluations, salary planning, and faculty development.
- Represented the school internally and externally, guiding strategic planning and organizational growth.
Event Organizer
University of Oulu
Oulu, Finland
09.2019 - 04.2021
- Planned and executed international academic conferences and forums for participants across 20–40 countries.
- Served as Event Organizer, Host, and Panel Moderator for large-scale, hybrid and virtual conferences.
- Led marketing, communications, and digital engagement, including social media and website content.
- Managed AV systems, virtual platforms, and workshop design for international education networks.
- Supported international student success through advising and transition services.
College & Career Coordinator (Teacher)
Hamilton Christian Academy
Hamilton, Montana
08.2016 - 06.2023
- Led the school’s College & Career program, serving as academic advisor and testing coordinator.
- Designed and implemented a career-readiness curriculum and scope & sequence aligned to graduation requirements.
- Advised students and families on postsecondary planning and admissions pathways.
- Served as IT Director, overseeing website development, digital marketing, video production, and UI/UX testing.
- Taught elementary and secondary courses, contributing to curriculum development and student outcomes.
Education
Master of Art - Education & Globalization
University of Oulu
12-2021
Bachelor of Music - Music Education
Northwest University
05.2016
American High School Diploma -
Corvallis High School
06.2012
Skills
- Executive Leadership & Organizational Strategy
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Education Administration (K–12 & Higher Education)
- Operations & Systems Improvement
- Financial Oversight & Budgeting
- Fundraising & Donor Relations
- Governance & Board Relations
- Stakeholder Experience & Engagement
- Enrollment & Student Success Services
- Team Leadership & Staff Development
- Partnership Development & Community Engagement
- Data-Informed, Technology-Enabled Operations
Websites
- linkedin.com/in/matthewizwicker/
- https://ravallirepublic.com/news/local/hamilton-christian-academy-ready-for-expansion/article_941ddd16-bc86-11ed-9708-2f5d0db4db63.html
- https://www.kpax.com/news/ravalli-county/fundraiser-auction-to-help-expand-instructional-spaces-at-hamilton-christian-academy
- https://www.krtv.com/news/great-falls-news/foothills-school-celebrates-new-soccer-field
- https://bitterrootstar.com/2025/04/new-director-at-hamilton-downtown-assn/
- https://www.kpax.com/news/ravalli-county/rhythm-roam-new-one-day-festival-coming-to-downtown-hamilton
- https://bitterrootstar.com/2025/11/hamilton-christmas-stroll-and-tree-lighting-set/
- https://www.montanarightnow.com/news/state/nonprofit-aims-to-build-ice-rink-in-hamilton/article_f36affc0-2238-5c5e-aee4-9388bbb05f66.html
Timeline
Executive Director
Hamilton Downtown Association & Foundation
04.2025 - Current
Head of School
Foothills Community Christian School
06.2023 - 06.2024
Head of School
Hamilton Christian Academy
07.2021 - 06.2023
Event Organizer
University of Oulu
09.2019 - 04.2021
College & Career Coordinator (Teacher)
Hamilton Christian Academy
08.2016 - 06.2023
Master of Art - Education & Globalization
University of Oulu
Bachelor of Music - Music Education
Northwest University
American High School Diploma -
Corvallis High School