Matthew Houghton is a workforce development advisor at the City of Seattle Office of Economic Development. He is an expert in facilitating collective talent development efforts between industry, community-based organizations, and community colleges. Houghton has a strong background in policy development, implementation, workforce education design, and governance structures. He studied Zoology/Environmental studies for his BS, and Mental Health Counseling for his MA, both at the University of Montana. In his previous roles, Houghton was a Project Manager, Adjunct Faculty, Faculty Advisor/Counselor at Shoreline Community College. He was also the Director at The Orion Center, YouthCare, Inc., Scholarship Director/ College advisor at Yap State Department of Education, Program Manager, Affiliate Faculty at University of Montana, School of Forestry, Wilderness Institute, Outpatient Mental Health at University of Montana, and Director at Exploring New Horizons. Houghton strongly believes that workforce development is a critical element of economic equity because it creates the path to social mobility. His work leverages partnerships to build long-lasting and sustainable paths to social mobility, while ensuring scalability.