Matt Kersh began working in nonprofit development in 2005 only a month after graduating from college. He was elected and served his senior year at Biola University in La Mirada, California, as Associated Student Body President which was the culmination of 4 years of being highly active in student leadership. During his final semester of undergraduate studies, University Advancement approached him to join the team in raising funds to support the work of his alma mater. He again quickly rose to leadership and was heading a team of 7 development staff members within two years in the field. As a highly relational person and strategic thinker, Matt displays a propensity for connecting people with a spirit of philanthropy making for powerful missional impact. Continuing his career, Matt worked with a number of other nonprofit organizations as Director of Development including Hoag Hospital, Honor Veterans Now, Child Legacy International, and Cross Trail Outfitters.
His undergraduate degree is in Communication Studies with a concentration on both interpersonal and mass communication with a minor in Biblical Studies. Matt then attended California State University Long Beach at the American Institute for Philanthropic Studies. He then went on to pursue an M.A. in Spiritual Formation which is a hybrid program between Rosemead School of Psychology and Talbot School of Theology.
A born and bred Texan, Matt has been married to Courtnay since 2021, they have a daughter, Shiloh, born in 2023. They hope to continue to grow their family in the near future. The Kersh family also has two dogs and two cats that make their home life an adventure. Music has been a major part of Matt’s life since the age of 7 when he began to play guitar and piano. He started performing at the age of 16 and continues to do so to this day.
Matt is incredibly grateful to be on the Chosen team bringing many years of accomplishment in furthering important charitable causes. With a deep passion for Chosen’s mission, he is excited to pour himself into his role to sustain and deepen relationships with the organization’s partners while spreading the word about this transformative work.
