NFLT is featuring its Board Members and highlighting the great work they are doing within our organization and in the broader community.
Matt Rapp
Matt Rapp is senior vice president with the PGA TOUR, overseeing the Championship Management division which oversees the 13 owned/operated events at the TOUR level. Previously, Rapp led THE PLAYERS Championship 2011-2016 and focused on significantly enhancing the fan experience, increasing the event’s charitable impact, and reinvigorating its vital connection with the local community.
Prior to joining the PGA TOUR, Rapp held several senior executive positions in public relations and communications with the ATP World Tour, the governing body of men’s professional tennis, and Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations firm. His first job was working on Capitol Hill with the former assistant majority leader of the U.S. Senate, Wendall H. Ford.
A native of Louisville, Ky., Rapp has lived and worked in many cities throughout the United States and around the world including Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., London, and Brussels, but he is proud to call Jacksonville his home since 2001. Rapp graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1991 where he rowed crew and studied international relations.
How long you have served on the board?
2 years
What influenced you to join the NFLT Board?
I am a big environmentalist and enjoy being outside in the wild and also love restoring things – seemed like a perfect match!
What excites you most about the direction of NFLT, and how will you contribute to it?
Its fast action allows for quicker transactions to lock up more land for protection. Its success has significantly increased awareness which has accelerated rapid growth. I have participated in strategic planning, fundraising and am helping with the re-brand process.
As you observe our local area, what is an issue affecting North Florida that concerns you? How do you think NFLT can help?
North Florida was already a hot destination before Covid, but it seems to have exploded in interest over the last 18 months. All this development is great for business and the community, but we also need to take steps to keep pace to protect enough of our natural resources that it remains a great place to live, work and raise a family.
What is something NFLT members, staff, and even other Board Members might be surprised to know about you?
I was the primary caregiver for my three kids from when they were pretty young. With a lot of luck – they have all turned out great!
