Matt Ford is a Communications Manager by day and Local News Anchor by night. Read his story as this week’s #PeopleOfWilmDE!
Wilmington Connection
How long have you lived/worked in Wilmington?
Practically forever—born and bred in Delaware, so Wilmington’s been my playground, my office, and my stage for quite a while!
I’m a proud Delawarean through and through! I grew up here, went to St. Elizabeth’s grade school and high school, and my first job was at Woodside Farm in Hockessin. Those were the days! After I graduated from UD, I pursued my dream of working in TV news at news stations in Maryland and Pennsylvania. After I reached my goal of making it to the Philly TV Market, I decided it was time to change paths and pivot to the public relations route.
Why do you continue to choose Wilmington to work in/live in?
Short answer: my family, my friends, and my roots are here. Longer answer: Wilmington has this perfect mix of small-town charm and big-city opportunity. Plus, you can’t beat being surrounded by a community that supports you like family. It’s home, plain and simple.
How has Wilmington helped you be where you are today professionally and personally?
Wilmington has been the ultimate launchpad for me—professionally and personally. The city’s tight-knit community and vibrant connections have opened doors I didn’t even know existed. Plus, it’s filled with people who inspire, challenge, and cheer you on every step of the way. Wilmington has truly shaped who I am today—and for that, I’m forever grateful.
Wilmington Favorites
Favorite Wilmington attraction/event and why
I’m partial to the Wilmington Riverfront—whether it’s a stroll along the water or catching a show at the Delaware Theatre Company, there’s always something happening. I lived there for a while and it was a blast. It’s a vibrant spot where the city’s energy meets relaxation, and it never fails to remind me why I love this place!”
Ideal night out in Wilmington?
I went to The Quoin for the first time a few months ago, and I love the ambiance, the vibe, the whole thing. Dinner would definitely have to be Snuff Mill, followed by a show at Delaware Theatre Company – or any of the other great theaters we have here in the greater Wilmington area (told ya I’m a theater geek!)”
Insights and Future Vision
What are you excited about that’s going on in Wilmington right now?
As a huge proponent of the arts, I’m definitely proud of the growing local theater scene that’s booming here in Wilmington. You used to have to go to Philly or NYC to experience art, but honestly, that’s not true anymore. It’s right here in our backyard. Wilmington also has a rich food scene that’s constantly evolving, with new restaurants and cafes popping up in the city.
How would you like to see our city grow in the next 5-10 years?
- Expanded Community Engagement: More inclusive programs that allow residents to have a greater voice in city planning and projects. For example, public forums on major initiatives can help ensure the community’s diverse needs are met—whether it’s around transportation, housing, or public safety.
- Local Business Growth and Support: Creating a more robust support system for small and local businesses would be ideal. Resources like affordable grants, mentoring, and community partnerships can help boost entrepreneurship and the local economy. We see so many wonderful small businesses pop-up in the city, and before you know it, they have to close for a myriad of reasons. That’s really tough to see.
- Cultural Vibrancy and Tourism: Wilmington has so much potential to be a cultural and arts hub. More programming that highlights diverse local talent—whether it’s in theater, music, visual arts, or food—could help the city shine on the regional map.
- Accessible and Inclusive Public Spaces: This is close to my heart, as I’m a caregiver to my mother, who lives with a disability. Whenever people ask me my “why,” it’s always the same: advocating for people with disabilities. I envision more universally accessible spaces where individuals of all abilities can come together to engage, work, and enjoy leisure time.
This includes:
- Better Sidewalks, Transportation Options, and Accessible Venues: Ensuring every part of the city is safe, inclusive, and easy to navigate for everyone.
- Advocacy Councils: Establishing a city advisory board focused on the needs of individuals with disabilities and their caregivers, giving them a platform to directly influence city planning and policy.
- Education Campaigns: Promoting disability awareness and acceptance through citywide initiatives that highlight real-life stories, advocate for inclusivity, and celebrate diversity.
These are just the tip of the iceberg in making Wilmington more inclusive—and I have plans to make it happen (consider that a teaser 😉).
What advice would you like to give people living and working in Wilmington?
- Get Involved in Your Community: Whether it’s volunteering, attending events, or supporting local businesses, there are countless ways to contribute to Wilmington’s growth and vibrancy. Small actions can make a big difference in strengthening our city’s sense of community.
- Embrace Diversity: Wilmington is home to people from all walks of life. Take the time to connect with those whose experiences are different from your own—it’s the best way to build understanding, collaboration, and innovation.
- Speak Up and Advocate: If there’s something you’re passionate about or a change you’d like to see in the city, don’t be afraid to share your voice. Advocacy plays a huge role in creating a better Wilmington for everyone.
- Support the Arts and Culture: From theater productions to galleries to music venues, Wilmington has a rich arts scene. Engaging with these spaces not only enriches your life but also supports the creators who make our city so special.
- Prioritize Accessibility and Inclusion: Think about how your work or contributions could positively impact individuals with disabilities, caregivers, or anyone who might feel excluded. The more inclusive we are, the stronger our city becomes.
- Invest in Personal and Professional Growth: Wilmington offers great opportunities for networking, skill-building, and community leadership. Take advantage of programs like Leadership Delaware or initiatives that align with your passions and career.
Personal Reflections
What is one of your proudest moments of being a Wilmingtonian?
That’s an easy one – having a hand in launching the first Delaware-only broadcast and digital news program in over a decade. Knowing that we created a platform dedicated to informing, engaging, and empowering our community—while giving Delawareans a voice—was incredibly rewarding.
List of any organizations or volunteer work you have done.
I’m a Corporate board member of the Brain Injury Association of Delaware. As a board member, I advocate for individuals with brain injuries and their caregivers. I am also a Thomas Jefferson University Health Mentor. The program is aimed at training future healthcare professionals to provide patient-centered, interdisciplinary care. This program is part of Jefferson’s Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education and brings together students from various health-related fields to learn from individuals and their caregivers who live with chronic conditions, disabilities, or unique health challenges.
I’m a proud Alumnus of Leadership Delaware. Leadership Delaware is a leadership development program, designed to mentor and inspire those who live and work in Delaware, and demonstrate exceptional leadership potential. The program’s mission is to prepare leaders who are passionate about making a positive impact in their communities, organizations, and state. I’m a board chair for Chapel Street Players theater where I focus on public relations…and sometimes you may catch me on stage (we have brand new theater in Newark – come check us out!)”
What are 3 interesting or surprising facts about you?
- I’ve spent over 15 years in television news, working as a producer, reporter, and anchor.
- People are shocked to learn that I’m an introvert.
- One of my dreams is to be a standup comic.
What other stories would you like to share about your life/being a part of our city?
During the pandemic, I was asked to step in as an adjunct instructor at Delaware Technical Community College’s Wilmington Campus for just one semester to help get them through some remote learning challenges. At the time, it felt like a way to give back and help during a challenging period. Little did I know it would turn into one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Now, here we are in 2025, and I’ve lost count of how many classes I’ve taught since I started. The experience has been far more than just a job—it’s been an opportunity to connect with students, share my real-life knowledge and experiences, and see firsthand the resilience and determination of the next generation.
Starting Delaware’s first state-only news program in over a decade was a defining moment. Working with a team that was as passionate about local storytelling as I am was such an honor. It reminded me of the power of and the importance of telling our stories—those of Wilmingtonians, Delawareans, and the heartbeat of the community that often gets overlooked. It also made me realize how interconnected everything is here in Wilmington: business, arts, news, politics—it’s all part of the same dialogue.
On that same token: One of the things that has meant the most to me in Wilmington is how closely people support one another. I remember when I was co-hosting CultureScope, a show my good friend Kerriann Otano produced and hosted, became a kind of lifeline for local artists and community members to get their voices out.
The people of Wilmington truly embraced the show, and the stories we featured were woven into the very fabric of this city and state. Being able to witness the diversity, the talent, and the passion that lives in this city was an eye-opening experience. It also deepened my connection to Wilmington and reaffirmed my desire to contribute positively to its growth.
