As a Grant Writer and Researcher with The Plakhov Group, Matt helps to grow and expand the organization by identifying new grant, funding, and contracting opportunities.

Matt is a skilled writer and researcher with experience in client service. Before joining The Plakhov Group, Matt split his time between two major Canadian media companies. While in media, Matt used his research, writing, editing, and communication planning skills to help hundreds of national, regional, and local clients reach their customers with targeted advertising campaigns. During this time, he worked with clients in a variety of public sectors, including consumer goods, agriculture, and transportation, along with clients in the public and non-profit sectors.    

Since March 2025, Matt currently has been a full-time policy and public affairs coordinator with Canadian Strategy Group, one of Western Canada’s leading public affairs firms. He previously served as a member of the communications committee for 880 CHED Santas Anonymous, an Edmonton-based charity that delivers toys to over 20,000 less-fortunate children every Christmas.  

Matt holds a master of arts (MA) degree in history from the University of Birmingham, a bachelor of arts (BA) in communication studies from Athabasca University, and a diploma of technology in broadcast and media communications from the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). In his spare time, he plays ball hockey, golf, and curling. He also enjoys travelling the world with his wife, Jess, and cheering on his beloved Edmonton Oilers.