Board Member Interview: Matt Simpson

What brought you to CDA?

Some good friends of ours invited us to join them at the CDA annual banquet when our oldest daughter was in preschool. They had done extensive research into various educational options and we trusted their process and judgment.  While the students that were involved in the banquet program were impressive and the message from the Headmaster resonated with us, we were still planning to start kindergarten in public school.  However, when we went through the process of enrolling her, there were several red flags, and we felt what we valued in education was not what this public school valued; we decided we did not want to hand our five year old daughter over to this institution that had different objectives and would not allow us to be as involved as we wanted to be.  We reached back out to our friends who had invited us, toured, applied, interviewed, and are now in our seventh year at the school.

Tell us about your professional background.

I started my career in management consulting with Deloitte – four years in Chicago followed by two years of graduate school in North Carolina and three years back home in Indianapolis.  In 2016, I had an opportunity to transition from that job which required me to travel during the week to stay in town and work at IU Health in healthcare administration.  I have had a variety of positions during my time there, and currently lead multiple support functions across the health system.

Do you have a family?

Jamie and I started dating in high school and have been married since 2007.  We have four children: Hadley (11), Levi (9), Noelle (6), and Molly (2).

Where did you go to school?

Indiana University (undergrad)
Duke University (MBA)

Do you have any favorite hobbies?

Besides our involvement in church and school, our family enjoys attending, watching and playing sports.  We like to sing and listento worship music and try to get outside as much as possible by exploring nature and going on family bike rides.

 

What are you most excited about when it comes to Coram Deo’s future?

Our vision is to reach Hamilton County and northern Indianapolis with the Gospel for the Great Commission through the Greatest Commandment.  We don’t aim to grow for growth’s sake, but in obedience to our Savior, to serve more families because we truly believe a Christian Classical Education is the best way we can participate in training the next generation to be a transformed and transforming presence in today’s culture. Currently, I am excited by the number of new families seeking out and discovering CDA; we desire to be faithful to our mission while preserving what makes this a unique community as we grow.  Lord willing, we will graduate a class of seniors in 2026 for the first time since 2018.  This education was never designed to stop at 8th grade, and I am excited for the future graduates to be able to finish what they have started.  We are also planning for a permanent facility in God’s timing that meets the needs of the students for the long-term.  While these are necessary steps and natural for a healthy, growing organization, what excites me most is hearing and witnessing examples of students living out the habits of the heart and the Portrait of the Graduate.

What do you do on the Board?

I am starting my sixth year on the Board and fifth as Board Chair.  Like others who have served, I have had a front row seat to God’s faithfulness during many ups and downs.  Through everything, the Board’s number one priority is to guard the mission, secure the Academy’s financial future, and fulfill our responsibility to future generations not yet born by supporting and evaluating the Head of School. The best way we can meet these obligations is by never moving beyond dependence on God.  Past CDA board members have left a tremendous legacy of prayer and sacrifice of time, talents, and treasure, which we intend to preserve for years to come.  It is a blessing and honor to serve the families of CDA in this way and we covet your prayers for wisdom and God’s continued provision as we move forward into the next phase of what God has planned for CDA.

Who has been one of your biggest influences in life?

My father has definitely had the biggest influence on my life.  From as early as I can remember, he has faithfully served at home, church, and work.  The greatest legacy he has left to me is that there is nothing more important than my walk with Christ and sharing the Gospel with as many people as possible.  The prayers of my parents have had a tangible impact on my life and the lives of my children and I am so thankful for the role they continue to play in our lives.  I have modeled my life after my father’s example, including a strong work ethic and striving for excellence, coupled with an acknowledgment that every good and perfect gift comes from God.  It is a true blessing to have his ongoing support and involvement in Coram Deo Academy.