Matt Van Syckle’s journey into technology began early. As a freshman at Aberdeen High School, he successfully petitioned to join a computer science program typically reserved for upperclassmen. That decision marked the start of a career built on initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to take on challenges others might avoid.
When it came time to choose a college, Oregon Tech stood out—not just for its academic offerings, but because it was part of his family’s story. Matt’s father, Ed Van Syckle, had graduated from Oregon Tech in 1971 and was among the first students to live in the newly built dorms. Inspired by that connection, Matt enrolled and pursued a dual degree in Software Engineering and Computer Engineering. At the same time, he joined the Oregon National Guard, which helped fund his education and shaped his leadership style in lasting ways.
After graduation, Matt began his career at the Montana Department of Revenue. On his second day, he was asked to take on the agency’s mainframe operations—an area few were eager to tackle. He accepted the challenge. Years later, as Montana’s State Chief Technology Officer (CTO), that early experience proved invaluable. Under his leadership, Montana became the first state in the nation to fully decommission its mainframe without outsourcing. This was a major milestone in government IT modernization. Mainframes often run critical systems that are deeply embedded, expensive to maintain, and difficult to replace. Successfully transitioning off one—without service disruption—requires deep technical knowledge, strategic planning, and strong leadership.
Matt’s career continued to evolve. He served as Montana’s State CTO for seven years and twice stepped in as Interim State Chief Information Officer (CIO). He oversaw a quarter-billion-dollar IT portfolio, led the state’s response to major security incidents, and helped implement telework strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. His ability to communicate clearly and confidently—skills he credits to Oregon Tech’s speech and accounting courses—made him a frequent speaker at over 50 national conferences, where he shared the stage with federal CIOs and military technology leaders. In 2022, Matt received a national award from StateScoop for State IT Leadership of the Year.
Today, Matt serves as Chief of Staff at KWR Strategies, where he helps IT firms nationally build the strategic link between technology and government. His work focuses on long-term collaboration, helping IT firms build meaningful connections with government leaders.
Outside of work, Matt lives in Montana with his wife, also an Oregon Tech alum, and their two children. They spend weekends skiing, fishing, and exploring the outdoors. His personal life reflects the same values that have guided his career—commitment, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the people around him.
When asked what advice he’d give to current students, Matt offered this: “Do the hard stuff. The things no one wants to do often give you the experience no one else has.”
Matt Van Syckle’s story is a powerful example of what Oregon Tech alumni can achieve—when they lead with purpose and stay grounded in service.