Matthew Orehek is the Email Marketing Specialist for the NEO AMA Communications Committee, focusing on promoting our chapter’s events. He recently told us about his volunteering experience and how he got here.

Who are you? Please tell us a little about yourself. Education, company and job information, what you are currently working on that you are excited about?

I graduated from Western Washington University’s Huxley College of the Environment with a degree in Environmental Planning & Sustainable Development. After returning home to Cleveland, I became involved professionally and personally with organizations and individuals looking to improve our city to make it a better place to live, work, and play. I managed a few political campaigns, have worked with a few local area nonprofits, and volunteered

I recently accepted and started the position of Marketing Manager at LDA architects, a fast-paced, design-oriented architecture firm based on Cleveland.  At LDA, I will help market the firm to potential clients by building relationships and highlighting the firm’s design aesthetic and technical skills. Additionally, I am responsible for strengthening current client relationships to ensure the firm exceeds expectations and produces desired outcomes.

One organization I’m currently working with – about whose future I’m really excited – is the Young Professionals of Parma. We are a newly formed networking and community-oriented group focusing on connecting young professionals in the community to each other, as well as better connecting this group to the city and vice versa. As a member of the leadership team that his helping guide this new organization, I’m excited about the tremendous amount of support we have received from the community. We are poised for growth as we work to build formal processes, organizational structure, and receive feedback from event attendees and supporters to strengthen and expand offerings.

What is your position within the AMA?

Volunteer – Email Marketing Specialist (events)

Why did you join the AMA?

I started volunteering with the AMA as a way to continue to build my skills as a marketer and broaden my network. It’s been great because I have been able to learn new things and test a few things out that I may not have been able to otherwise. I’ve also met some really great people.

What do you love about volunteering?

Meeting and working with others, building my skills, testing new ways of doing things, learning.

What are your hobbies?

I am an outdoor enthusiast and enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, camping – anything outdoors really. I love to travel, having caught the travel bug at an early age, and believe it’s critically important for personal growth. My love of traveling pairs well with my interest in urban planning and cities. I try to visit as many cities as I can, big or small, while I’m traveling to learn about the lives and experiences of others.

What are three interesting facts about you?

1. I am an on-ice hockey official (referee) and officiated my first game when I was 14-years-old.
2. I took a selfie with a penguin once.
3. I always wear “fancy” socks.

If you could be one character in Mad Men (or any other television show) who would it be?

That’s hard to say. They all seem pretty miserable. If I had to pick, I would say Roger Sterling. At least that guy has fun.

What are your career and/or personal ambitions?

I want to be a marketing director for an organization that focuses on cities or an outdoor lifestyle/travel brand. Something that gets me out, working with people and places. Working for an organization, such as Project for Public Spaces, would be really cool.