Matthew Bissell has spent decades building a life centered on responsibility, steady work, and service to others. Born in Oakland, California, in 1973, he has pursued a broad range of experiences across financial consulting, social support, and hands-on service roles. His education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Pitzer College and international study at the University of Sussex. Alongside his career, he is a devoted father of two who values family, community involvement, and a lifelong interest in sports. Matthew was born on November 20, 1973, at Oakland Kaiser Hospital in Oakland, California. He is the son of Peter and Nancy Bissell. His father worked for multiple decades in the Bay Area as a longshoreman and was a proud member of the ILWU. His mother balanced two professional paths, beginning her career as a Special Education Teacher before later becoming an entrepreneur by owning and operating a local clothing store. He grew up with one sister in a household shaped by support, routine, and shared responsibility. As a child, he spent much of his time with friends and participating in youth sports programs. Growing up in the Bay Area allowed him to play football, baseball, and soccer year-round, which helped him build discipline, teamwork, and consistency from an early age. From 1991 to 1995, Matthew attended Pitzer College in Claremont, California, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. During his time at Pitzer, he was also a committed student-athlete, playing baseball and football for the Pomona/Pitzer combined teams. In 1994, he earned First Team All-SCIAC honors in football, contributing as a defensive end, punter, and place kicker. Balancing academic demands with athletic responsibilities required careful time management and mental focus, lessons that became valuable throughout his professional life. That same year, he studied abroad at the University of Sussex in Brighton, England. While overseas, he traveled through Europe, Africa, and Asia, visiting Spain, Morocco, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Romania, Germany, and the Netherlands. These experiences broadened his understanding of different cultures and ways of thinking. After completing his undergraduate degree, he continued his education with additional coursework at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, California. Matthew’s professional background spans many industries and roles. Early work in apparel sales helped him develop customer service and communication skills. He also worked as a gardener and landscaper, a waiter, a truck driver trainer, and a FedEx and UPS delivery driver. Over time, he expanded into roles as a travel agent, caregiver, and social worker. These positions required adaptability, organization, and problem-solving, whether coordinating logistics, supporting individuals with daily needs, or navigating complex personal situations. In recent years, Matthew has focused on roles centered on community support. From October 2023 to December 2024, he served as a Water-Based Rehousing Stabilization Specialist for Episcopal Community Services in San Francisco. His work involved visiting clients on Richardson Bay twice weekly, providing supplies, guidance, and advocacy while coordinating with local authorities. In December 2024, he began working as an In-Home Support Specialist with In-Home Support Services in Oakland, California. In this role, he assists clients with activities of daily living, including meal preparation, exercise routines, and medication support, while maintaining regular communication with family members. In July 2025, Matthew transitioned into financial consulting by joining The Broker Group in Richmond, California, as a Financial Consultant. He provides guidance on life insurance and retirement planning, helping clients make informed decisions and prepare for long-term financial stability. Outside of work, Matthew Bissell remains deeply involved in his children’s lives, volunteering his time as a coach, club parent, and school supporter. He has also contributed to organizations including the University of California, Berkeley; the Dunn School; San Francisco Day School; Prospect Sierra School; Goodwill; the Salvation Army; and Pitzer College. Through consistent effort across his career, family life, and volunteer activities, he continues to approach each responsibility with care, balance, and a commitment to supporting others meaningfully.