Michelle Matthews is a dynamic nonprofit executive with a career dedicated to connecting communities with natural spaces through innovative environmental programming. As the Executive Director and only full-time staff member of Arlington Garden in Pasadena from 2017-2024, she transformed the organization from a volunteer-led initiative into a thriving, mission-driven nonprofit. Under her leadership, she oversaw capital improvement campaigns, the garden’s budget grew sevenfold, community engagement deepened, and new partnerships flourished. Her strategic initiatives earned the organization the 2019 Nonprofit of the Year Award from California’s 25th Senate District. Under her leadership the organization secured notable grants from the Pasadena Tournament of Roses (including for the Field Guide and subsequent Nature Journal), Pasadena Community Foundation, Stanley Smith Horticultural Foundation and the Harold and Colene Brown Family Foundation.

Ms. Matthews’ background spans arts, advocacy, and design, with senior leadership roles at the Sundance Institute, the ACLU, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. She combines a keen eye for strategy with operational rigor, delivering measurable impact through cross-sector collaboration, marketing innovation, and strong leadership. Her educational foundation includes an MFA from the University of Southern California and a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, both of which inform her creative and systems-thinking approach to nonprofit management.

Ms. Matthews has been selected for prestigious leadership programs such as Annenberg Alchemy, CORO’s Climate Resilience Network, Justice Outside’s Rising Leaders Fellowship, Executive Service Corps Executive Directors Leadership Institute and Leadership Pasadena. These experiences have sharpened her ability to lead diverse teams, build inclusive programs, and design long-term strategies for organizational growth and community impact.

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