Matt served as Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources from 2007 through 2010, where he led efforts to pass the Great Lakes Compact, reduce mercury and phosphorous pollution in state waters, and expand the Knowles Nelson Stewardship program. He also led efforts to expand clean and renewable energy and address climate change. In his 30 years of public service, Matt also served as an Assistant Attorney General at the Wisconsin Department of Justice and as Secretary of the Department of Corrections. Matt received his B.A. degree from Carleton College and his law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He grew up in Cross Plains, where he fished the Black Earth Creek. Matt and his wife live in Middleton where they raised three boys.