Michael Matarazzo helps his clients work through challenges in both life and leadership and is a well-sought-after keynote and motivational speaker based in Charlottesville, Va.
Matarazzo has built a thriving career as a professional chef and has become an authority within the private club industry on team building, mindset calibration, and positive culture development.
In 2005, Matarazzo completed an apprenticeship at the world-renowned Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. In 2008, he was named team captain of the United States Regional Culinary Olympic Team and led his team to become the first U.S. Regional Team to win the world championship against 62 teams from 32 nations.
Matarazzo was named USA’s Chef of The Year in 2010 and in 2011, placed second in the Western Hemisphere during the Global Chefs Challenge in Vancouver, BC. During the same year, he was selected to be the civilian advisor to the US Military’s Culinary Olympic Team and played a key role in helping teams and individuals win more than a dozen gold medals in elite, international competition.
Matarazzo has built and led teams at some of the most prestigious resorts and private clubs in America and knows better than most what it takes to overcome adversity and persevere through unique challenges.
Matarazzo currently leads a team of more than seventy at a Top 40 Platinum Rated Country Club. In 2022, they were recognized by Club + Resort Chef magazine for providing the No. 1 Club Culinary Experience in America.
In addition to his Executive Chef role, Matarazzo is often invited to speak at various events and industry conferences where attendees are exposed to his unique perspectives on life and leadership.