Matthew Alexander

RESUME:  Principal & Partner, EY

WHY DID YOU WANT TO BE ON THE BOARD? My son gets so much out of sports. It’s helping him grow, it’s helping me grow, and I think everybody should have that opportunity. Any way I can help bring that feeling to more people is a worthy effort. I’ve also got family members and friends who benefit from Special Olympics so the least I can do on their behalf is give back a little bit.

WHAT SPORTS HAVE YOU PLAYED? I played rugby, I crewed, and I played basketball.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM SPORTS THAT YOU’VE APPLIED TO YOUR CAREER? How to push myself and how to work together in pushing a team. I learned what it takes to achieve your goals and how to bounce back from failure.

WHAT WILL IT MEAN FOR SEATTLE TO HOST THE GAMES? I think it’s going to be fantastic. We have beautiful facilities and when the sun shines here it’s the most beautiful city in the USA. The smiles on these competitors faces will have a huge impact.

WHAT SHOULD ATHLETES SEE AND DO WHILE THEY’RE IN SEATTLE? I love to hike. I love to get out and see the mountains and rivers and lakes. And if it’s cherry season, I love to get some fresh Rainier cherries from Pike Place Market and walk through the University of Washington campus. Walk down by the stadium, sit on the docks, watch the boats go by, and enjoy some delicious cherries.