​MATT WRIGHT

Matt, a fifth-generation Oklahoman, grew up in Poteau, where he spent countless hours exploring the Kiamichi Mountains, hunting, and fishing with his family. His father—a lifelong advocate for conservation in Oklahoma—not only instilled in him a deep appreciation for the outdoors but also a strong sense of responsibility to protect these vital natural resources. Matt attended Oklahoma State University, where he stretched a four-year degree into five and a half, enjoying the journey along the way. After graduating in 1994, he entered the construction industry, eventually joining Burgess Construction Company in 2005 and becoming its owner in 2010. At the end of 2023, Matt sold the business to dedicate himself fully to conservation and spend more time with his family. ​ Now living in Noble with his wife and three children, Matt combines his professional experience—ranging from product consultation and contract negotiation to his personal passions like fly fishing and turkey hunting—to drive impactful conservation work. As Executive Director of the Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma, he is committed to protecting the state’s woods, waters, and wildlife, ensuring that his children and future generations can enjoy them just as he and previous generations have.