Consultant Bio
Matt Bench is our current consultant, renowned in Washington State for exemplifying the values of ODCNW, fostering cohesive and synergistic partnerships, and developing efficient, focused, and value-added business models. He is also known for providing a rational and calming influence during periods of organizational stress.
Throughout his career with the Employment Security Department (ESD), he most recently held the position of Employment Connections Organizational Effectiveness Consultant. In this capacity, he focused on leadership development by coaching and mentoring new Regional Directors and Leaders. He also led various projects, including the establishment of a Leadership Academy framework.
Previously, he served as the ESD Northwest Regional Director, Area Administrator, Special Project Manager, and Supervisor from 1985 to 2020.
Before joining ESD, Matt worked with three non-profit organizations and a City government, specializing in Workforce Development, Mental Health services, and Recreation services. His combined experience, including his time at ESD, has equipped him with a wealth of knowledge in various facets of organizational development, such as community outreach, community organization, mission and vision mapping, strategic planning, business models, culture development, grant writing, leadership development and coaching, budgeting, emotional intelligence coaching, critical thinking application, stakeholder and government relations, union negotiations, labor relations, employment and training case management, vocational planning and workshop development, employee engagement, customer engagement, lean process improvement, project development and management, performance management, and change management, among many other workforce development elements.
He has successfully established rapport, written grants, developed budgets, and delivered presentations that secured over $50,000,000 in funding.
Matt has earned numerous awards and recognitions locally, statewide, and nationally from Employment Security leadership, the Department of Labor, the National Association of State Workforce Agencies, the WA State Labor Council, governors, the International Association of Public Employees, DOL-Vets, and various community organizations for his contributions in leadership, team building, best practices, and achieving top performance.
Specific awards and recognitions include:
- 2019 Transformational Leader Award - ESD Employment Connections
- 2019 Friends of Labor appreciation award - WA State Labor Council
- 2019 Awarded Army Values Coin - Veteran Representative
- 2015 James F. Walls National Team Award, team leader (1 awarded nationally) - National Association of State Workforce Agencies
- 2014 Governor's Award for Leadership in Management agency nomination
- 2013 Individual of the Year Award - Refugee and Immigrant Services Northwest
- 2010 Quality Steering Committee Award - ESD Commissioner
- 2004 Best WorkSource in Washington and 2nd place nationally - International Association of Workforce Professionals
- 1990 - 2015 Several Best Practice Awards for program designs - Department of Labor E&T and Vets
- 1991 Performance/Calm under pressure Leadership award - ESD
- 1989 ESD Statewide Employee of the Year (5 awarded)
In addition to his professional achievements, Matt is highly active in volunteer work and community services. Current and past examples of his involvement include serving on the Executive Committee of multiple Workforce Development Councils, leading as a Teen Children's Church teacher for over 35 years, acting as a Commissioner for the Snohomish County Children's Commission, chairing the Governors Juvenile Justice Advisory Council, leading the Everett School District Vocational Advisory Committee, and participating in advisory committees for Everett and Edmonds Community Colleges. He also has coached youth sports, founded the Good Samaritan Scholarship, volunteered for Feed My Sheep, and contributed to various community initiatives such as the Veterans Homeless Committee and Help For Hard Times through United Way.
You can find more about his professional background on his LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-g-bench-7b9302b/. His top 7 LinkedIn endorsements include leadership, leadership development, program management, community outreach, grant writing, coaching, and training.
