Meet Matt

Although Chandler is the fourth-largest city in the Arizona, I still enjoy its small-town atmosphere–the renovated downtown with new shops, restaurants and taverns; the monthly art walks; the Fourth of July fireworks; the farmers' market; the jazz and other festivals that bring residents together. All of these remind me of a city that is not too large for residents to feel "at home."

Matt's Favorite Place in Chandler

Tumbleweed Park is a favorite of mine–it has amenities for all ages: a railroad museum, open spaces for relaxing or enjoying the Ostrich Festival and Fourth of July when those events come to town; baseball fields; pavilions and picnic sections; the new recreational center and playtopia for our younger kids. These are great amenities and offer residents wonderful experiences.

Business and Work Experience

I have over 25 years of extensive experience in strategic planning, marketing, new business development, product development, and program management of large and diverse programs in commercial, government and international business sectors. I have also owned several small businesses.

Currently, I am a senior marketing manager for General Dynamics, with responsibilities for business development as well as sales and marketing of a $40 million satellite and ground communications networks for the military and other government agencies

General Dynamics (formaly Motorola) (current) - Program Manger
Honeywell (AlliedSignal, Inc). - experience as Marketing Manager, Program Manager, Business Development, Contractor Manger, Auditor, Property Administrator
Orbital Science (Space Data Corporation) - Logistics Manager and Cost Account Manager
Former Small Business Owner - Maintenance and Vending Machines

Community Experience

Past President of National Guard Association of Arizona
Past President of the Board of Directors of the Chandler YMCA
Past President of Chandler Optimist Club
Member of the American Legion
Past Member of Toastmasters
Coach, Chandler Youth Baseball
Coach, YMCA youth sports program

Military Service

I have 30 years of military service, recently retiring as a Colonel in the Arizona Air National Guard. My last assignment was serving as the Chief of Staff for the Arizona Air Staff Headquarters. I served in a variety of command positions since joining the guard in 1984, after active duty tours at Davis-Monthan AFB and Alaska.

1984-2008, Colonel in Arizona Air National Guard
Director Future Missions and Initiatives
Commander, Joint Air and Army forces, Winkleman Flood Control
Director of Operations, Several drug interdiction missions in Caribbean and South America
1978- 1982 Active Duty USAF
Air Weapons (aircraft) Controller - radar scope control of high performance fighter aircraft, tankers and other air space functions

Matt has Served on the following Regional and National Committees

Arizona State Representative to the National League of Cities’ Financial, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations (FAIR) Committee Chairman
Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Human Services Coordinating Committee
MAG Regional Aviation Systems Plan Policy Committee

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Matt has worked closely with many members of the Arizona Congressional Delegation for the betterment of Chandler.	US Congressman Harry Mitchell and Councilmember Matt Orlando have worked together on legislation that benefit our Military Veterans.	Maricopa County Supervisor Fulton Brock and Councilmember Matt Orlando have worked closely on many county and city issues.

Matt has Served on the following Council Liaison Committees

Budget - Chairman
Public Safety
Youth Advisory
Community Services, includes Parks and Recreation, Library, Center for the Arts, and economic development

Paid for by Re-Elect Matt Orlando for Chandler City Council.