Matt Swanson

Background

About Matt Swanson

Dr. Matt Swanson is proud to support Florida’s economy, communities, and workforce as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Florida Department of Commerce (FloridaCommerce). He prioritizes effective operational collaboration that enables the agency to empower its team of over 1,500 employees, as well as Floridians and their communities, to flourish. Matt continuously ensures the department’s resources are deployed efficiently and effectively. He provides strategic direction and operational leadership throughout the agency while driving initiatives to enhance strategic alignment, operational effectiveness and agility. In his role as COO of FloridaCommerce, Matt simultaneously serves as the COO of SelectFlorida, Florida’s international commerce agency, and as Vice President of the Florida Opportunity Fund, Florida’s venture capital organization. In these roles he supports business development, Florida’s economic development goals, and ensures strategical alignment among programs. Matt translates strategic visions into actionable plans, driving performance improvement and delivering added value to stakeholders. Prior to his appointment as COO, Matt was the Senior Vice President and CFO for Enterprise Florida (EFI). He was instrumental in several key initiatives including the supporting the implementation of HB5, which streamlined Florida’s economic development programs, consolidated EFI and the Department of Economic Opportunity into a new Florida Department of Commerce, and established SelectFlorida. At EFI Matt improved employee recruitment and retention through the development of new HR programs. He also led the charge in modernizing operations and implementing structures designed to drive business and economic growth throughout the state. Matt previously served as the Controller for Bravado Health and held key leadership positions in higher education including Vice President of Finance and Business Operations for Jacksonville University and Vice Chancellor and CFO for Fletcher Technical Community College. Matt holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management, a Master of Business Administration, and a Doctor of Business Administration. Originally from Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, Matt lives in Tallahassee, Florida with his wife, Emily. In his spare time Matt enjoys time with family and friends, supporting Florida’s local restaurants, and visiting Florida’s beaches. Matt is a baseball fan, favoring the Baltimore Orioles, and is working toward a goal of attending a game in every major league baseball stadium.