Matt Kucharski

Appointed by the Governor

Public member Matt Kucharski was appointed to the Outdoor Heritage Council by the Governor in 2025. His current four year term ends in 2029.

Matt Kucharski brings more than 15 years of conservation-focused volunteer leadership and over 35 years of professional experience in strategic communications to his role on the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. A lifelong outdoorsman and passionate advocate for wildlife habitat, he previously served as Chair of the National Board of Directors for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. During his tenure, he helped launch Quail Forever, led two strategic planning cycles, guided the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, and chaired the organization’s CEO search. Matt has personally acquired and restored several parcels of wildlife habitat in Minnesota, has served on his local lake association board and has provided pro-bono consulting to several non-profit organizations dedicated to the outdoors and the environment.

Professionally, Matt is President and Managing Partner at Padilla, a leading communications consulting firm based in Minnesota., and is a frequent speaker and writer on leadership, change, and communication. He holds a B.S. in Journalism and Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls and has completed executive education at Michigan State University and the Center for Creative Leadership. He is an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America and member of the Arthur Page Society and serves on the board of the Science Museum of Minnesota, Ehlers Companies and 4-Creeks Holdings.

When he’s not in the field or the boardroom, Kucharski enjoys upland game hunting with his three bird dogs, fishing, music, scuba diving, and home improvement projects. He resides in Maple Grove with his family.

Maple Grove, MN
(612) 839-1008
kucharskimatt33@gmail.com