Matthew Swaim
EVP, National Operations/Environmental Health & Safety
Connect on LinkedIn
Past Employer/Position:
Co-Founder at Ripple NW, Vice-President, Construction, NIKE, Inc.
Years in the Industry:
30 year(s)
Boards
Friends of the Children, PDX
What is the most exciting thing about working in this business? What is your professional passion?
What I find most exciting about working in the construction industry is being a part of so many incredible and talented teams that influence and shape the built environment. Time and again, throughout my career, I have seen the power and positive impact that buildings have on the end users who get to experience the space. It’s an incredible feeling to know your team was a significant part of making that a reality.
What do you love to do when you aren’t at work? What is your personal passion and why?
When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids, chasing them around the country while they pursue their passions.
What is your favorite community cause or philanthropic organization to support and why?
I have been a longtime board member of Friends of the Children PDX. Friends is a unique charity that seeks out kids in kindergarten who are most deserving of a stable and caring adult influence in their lives and assigns a paid mentor to be by their side for 12.5 years, all the way through high school. Throughout my participation, I have seen the profound positive impact these mentors have had on the youth they serve. The Friends in Portland, Ore., was the charity’s original chapter. It has now grown nationally to include 36 locations, including one in Boston.
What was your favorite family experience?
My favorite family experience was taking our soccer-crazy kids to Barcelona and surprising them with the opportunity to attend El Clasico. They watched Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo play at Camp Nou, when all they were expecting was a tour of an empty stadium and a museum.
What is your favorite quote?
“Listen if you want to be heard.” - John Wooden