Matthew Bissell

Matthew Bissell’s background reflects a life shaped by steady work, varied experience, and an ongoing commitment to supporting others in practical ways. Born in Oakland, California, in 1973, he has developed a professional path that includes financial consulting, social support services, and a wide range of hands-on roles. His education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Pitzer College and a semester of international study at the University of Sussex. Alongside his career, he is a father of two who places substantial value on family involvement and maintains a long-standing 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 followed a dual career path, beginning as a Special Education Teacher before later becoming a local business owner by operating a clothing store. He grew up with one sister in a household built on consistency, encouragement, and shared responsibility. Much of his childhood was spent with friends and participating in organized youth sports. Growing up in the Bay Area allowed him to play football, baseball, and soccer year-round, which played an essential role in shaping his discipline and teamwork. From 1991 to 1995, Matthew attended Pitzer College in Claremont, California, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. During his time at Pitzer, he competed as a student-athlete on the Pomona/Pitzer combined baseball and football teams. In 1994, he earned First Team All-SCIAC honors in football, contributing as a defensive end, punter, and place kicker. Balancing academics with athletics taught him how to manage a demanding schedule and push through challenges. That same year, he studied abroad at the University of Sussex in Brighton, England.