Matt’s Experience and Involvement
Matt Young has called Lake Charles home for 16 years, and his passion for our community only continues to grow. As the Public Relations Director at Visit Lake Charles, Matt has dedicated his career to showcasing our region’s culture, food, and outdoor adventures. Before that, he served the City of Lake Charles under two mayoral administrations as a Public Information Officer and Armed Forces Commission Liaison before being promoted to Director of Cultural Affairs. He led efforts to rebuild Historic City Hall and Central School after the devastating storms of 2020.
Matt has been deeply involved in the community, serving on the SWLA Alliance's board of directors as the first Quality of Life chairperson along with numerous organizations listed below.
Matt is more than a public servant; he's a community builder. From organizing beloved local events like “Live at the Lakefront” and the “Living History Cemetery Tour” to creating new community assets like the downtown dog park, his focus has always been on bringing people together. Named “Humanitarian of the Year” in 2019, he has a deep-rooted commitment to improving our quality of life.
Matt is married to Wayne Smith, a passionate educator, and they have proudly called District D their home since 2011, along with their beloved dog Lucy.
Now, Matt is running for City Council to ensure Lake Charles continues to thrive while keeping the close-knit, “small town” feel we all cherish.
