Matt Morrissey’s time with Susan Davis International began in early 2019, when he joined SDI as an intern. Matt’s internship coincided with an intensely busy period for SDI, which included onboarding new clients and hosting firms from around the world to IPREX’s Global Management Conference in May 2019.
After proving his value, Matt was hired full-time in the summer of 2019, and he now works on a variety of clients for SDI across technology, business, military, and non-profit foundations. He’s accrued a vast amount of experience in a short period of time for media relations, social media, and event management.
Matt has been a huge asset for SDI’s events work, helping out at events for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium (JWLS). It was at last year’s JWLS event, in the searing heat of August in Washington, D.C., where Matt had the pleasure of dealing with a cart that broke as he was transporting supplies. Despite the sidewalk disaster, Matt never panicked, and eventually, the supplies made it home. For his co-workers, it was another example of Matt’s calm demeanor during these events.
Here’s more about Matt:
What do you think will change as we reopen in a COVID-19 world, personally and/or professionally?
I think there will be less focus on office space for a lot of businesses. BP is selling their multi hundred-million-dollar headquarters in London and they are not alone. There will always be a need for an office, as creative brainstorming is better in person, but a lot of work can be done from home.
What’s the most inspiring news story you’ve seen during COVID-19?
While there are so many inspiring stories out there, my personal favorite is the article on a 101-year old Italian man who survived both the Spanish Flu and Covid-19
What drove your interest in public relations?
I was always interested in communications as a field but what cemented my interest in PR was a crisis communications class taught by a Marine PR officer. It was one of the most fun and interesting classes I ever had, especially the practical exams where we were given a crisis scenario and reacted in real time.
What is your favorite country to visit, and why?
Japan is a country that I look forward to visiting again. I have been once before, and it’s not easy to get to, but I loved every minute I was there. From ramen in Tokyo to visiting a theme park in Kyoto, it was a great experience. My recommendation is to hire a guide as they can ensure you can get around with ease.
What’s the funniest thing you’ve watched in the past year?
The funniest movie, and forever my favorite movie, I have watched in the past year is Hot Fuzz. As one of the best examples of visual comedy and using the whole scene to create jokes, it is a movie I watch regularly.
What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever received?
“Do not worry about what you can’t do anything about”
If you could have a Zoom call with any living person, who would it be?
President Jimmy Carter, as his post-presidency career has impacted the world to such an enormous degree. The Carter Center and President Carter have succeeded in reducing cases of Guinea-worm disease by 99.999%. I would love to be able to talk with him about his presidency and adjusting to his post-presidency life.
What is your opinion on social media?
Social media amplifies the best and worst parts of society. It enables great movements to organize but allows bigots to organize just as easily. Social media also encourages the posting of a glamorized and idealized version of your life. When people only post the best parts of their lives, others can think that is their whole life and feel worse for their life not being as good.
What is your favorite part of working at SDI?
My favorite part is the clients. So many of our clients are such great causes. I enjoy working with the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, which promotes the history of the Marines, and The Elizabeth Dole Foundation, which helps and campaigns for military caregivers.