Staff Story: Meet Matt Koumalats, part of the Marketing and Communications team at Region 16.
If you’ve watched a Region 16 video or listened to one of our podcasts lately, you’ve seen the handiwork of Matt Koumalats. A key member of our Marketing and Communications team for 15 years, Matt is the storyteller who helps bring the incredible work of our schools and students to life.
From the Newsroom to Region 16
Matt’s journey into communication began in the fast-paced world of broadcast news. After graduating college, he cut his teeth producing the 6:00 PM news right here in Amarillo. His career eventually took him to Houston, where he produced a major morning show.
However, when it came time to raise a family, the pull of the Panhandle was too strong to ignore. Matt and his wife moved back to Amarillo, and we are lucky he brought those big-city production skills to the Region 16 team.
A Passion for Highlighting Innovation
What keeps Matt inspired after 15 years? It’s the people. Whether he is working alongside our dedicated consultants or hitting the road to visit ISDs across the region, Matt’s goal is always the same: to highlight the creative and innovative things happening in our classrooms.
"One thing I love about working here is getting to work with everyone that is super focused on supporting the schools and students of our area. I love getting a chance to highlight their work."
Matt often remarks that Region 16 is home to some of the most creative minds in education he has ever encountered, and he finds it incredibly fulfilling to showcase their impact on our students.
Looking Ahead
Matt is always looking for new ways to bridge the gap between our schools and the community. While he’s already busy with video and podcasting projects, he’s even more excited about what’s on the horizon.
He hints that next year will bring new ways of communicating and fresh strategies for getting the word out about student success. We can’t wait to see what he produces next!