Our Team

Image of Patrick Metzger

Patrick Metzger

Director of Product

As the Director of Product, I help shape the vision and strategy across Idealist's digital products. Combining insights from data analytics and user research, I collaborate with our tech team to ensure we're building the best possible user experience for the global community of Idealists.

Before arriving at Idealist, I worked on Planned Parenthood digital products at the national level, focusing on the full-scale redesign of PlannedParenthood.org. I got my start in the digital space at Graphika, a social media analytics startup where I helped transform a highly technical data product into a user-friendly platform for use by clients like Conde Nast.

Outside of Idealist, I write about patterns in music, culture, and the universe. I also play bluegrass banjo and make folk music with my wife, Amie. I grew up in Chattanooga, TN and now call Beacon, NY my home!

Image of Matthew Chavez

Matthew Chavez

Senior Producer

Inspired by Idealist’s mission after Ami Dar's talk at Creative Mornings, Matthew Chavez joined the team as a Senior Producer. In this role, he creates compelling videos, organizes engaging events, and facilitates impactful community initiatives. All aimed at furthering Idealist’s goal of fostering a more connected, supported, dignified world.

Outside of Idealist, Matthew is an NYC-based artist, educator, and author, known for his innovative participatory public installations like Subway Therapy, an acclaimed work that garnered him the Brendan Gill Prize from the Municipal Art Society of New York and the Demos Transforming America Award.

Driven by a passion for empowering others, Matthew co-founded Listening Lab, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering social connections and personal growth through the practice of listening. Listening Lab develops transformative educational programs and public works designed to uplift communities.

He has many hobbies and interests including backpacking, traveling, people watching, video games, political/philosophical discourse, sewing, climbing, podcasting, and volunteering. Occasionally, you can find him in parks around NYC moonlighting as a surprise game show host.

Carol Jones-Walton

Program Manager, Idealist Action Incubator

At Idealist I am part of the Idealist Days Organizing Team. I help with the coordination of Idealist Day events in the NYC area and abroad. I was born and raised in the Bronx, NY (proud native!). My background includes 10+ years working in the nonprofit sector and education including doing administrative work, case management and college counseling for high schoolers. Inspired by the goal of connecting people to make positive changes where they live and the world, I joined Idealist and am happy to be a part of this great community. When I’m not in the office, I am at home with my sons and husband enjoying a Yankee game, watching my fav Netflix shows, taking a cycling class, reading or roaming NYC for some fun time activities.

Learn more about our values and commitment to working with each other and with the community.