Matthew McGrath

Background

About Matthew McGrath

I'm a career changer, and a jack-of-all-trades. I have always said that I am smart enough to learn any job given the right time and teacher. I've recently put that to the test after my journalism career ended. I've worked in universities, a security firm and a woodshop. Now, I'm a crew member on a tugboat. Yes, that's seems like a far cry from my main experience as a reporter and editor at regional and national news companies, but journalism and seafaring are mission-oriented enterprises and I thrive in those settings. As a journeyman reporter, I have worked in the most remote parts of New York State, along the Jersey Shore and in the cities and suburbs of North Jersey. And I am a Robert P. Kelly Award winner, the New Jersey's Press Association's "rookie of the year" award. I covered the biggest bribe scandal in New Jersey history involving the ex-superintendent of the Toms River School District, catastrophic floods in Wayne and Paterson after Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, and many stories treated with care and respect about the people of New Jersey hurt by untimely loss. As an editor, I led teams of reporters to win state and regional awards for writing and breaking news. I sought opportunities for staff who deserved to move on to new roles, and I coached others using my high standards to bring out the best in their writing and reporting. I earned Master of Science in conflict and analysis and resolution, and I have completed a graduate certificate in mass atrocity prevention at George Mason University's Carter School. My graduate education was funded by a fellowship from the Scheidt Foundation. I am a proud alumnus of Rutgers Univeristy - Newark, and I studied at Norwich University's Military College of Vermont for three years where I was active in the Corps of Cadets. I'm a father of two girls, and I live with my wife, Kimberly, in a small Tudor house with our daughters, a rescue cat and a little fish. I've won two silver medals for powerlifting in New Jersey championship meets, and I'm trying to turn our postage stamp lot into a suburban homestead. I hope to use my Carter School training in some volunteer capacity in the near future.