Gordon Matchett

With over 25 years of experience in the not-for-profit and corporate sectors, Gordon is responsible to the Board of Directors — and the entire Take a Hike community — for the current operations and future direction of Take a Hike. Gordon’s strategic approach and ability to build strong relationships have nurtured the last decade of organizational growth and success.  Since he started in 2016, Gordon has witnessed the organization grow from three program locations in BC to 16 locations in BC and Ontario, and position itself for national growth.

Gordon’s involvement with Take a Hike is personal. He struggled in high school, missed most of Grade 10, and was re-engaged through an outdoor education program.  “What I love most about Take a Hike is the way we weave together academics, community, the outdoors, and mental health supports.  Looking back at my youth, what was missing was the mental health support – it is so transformational.” Gordon’s lived experience of mental health struggles and addiction ignites his passion for Take a Hike to be available to all Canadian youth who need it.

Gordon’s education includes an Honours Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation and a Master of Business Administration.  He has held senior positions in several national and local charities, as well as working as a financial advisor in a major Canadian bank. Gordon has served on several boards of directors, including a term as Chair of Vantage Point (a BC-based organization that builds capacity in non-profits).

Having accomplished so much in his career, Gordon decided to take three years off mid-career to travel and reflect on life, pursuing his passion for self-improvement and becoming the best version of himself. After his travels Gordon returned to BC, consulting within social enterprises, and worked with the Dalai Lama Centre during the Dalai Lama’s visit to Vancouver in 2014.  Gordon joined the Take a Hike Foundation in January 2016.