 |
|
Mathew McCollough, moderator of the panel discussion, “The Criminal Legal System”, at TASH’s 2023 Outstanding Leadership in Disability Law Symposium and Award Celebration; left to right: Marlyn Tillman, Chester Finn, Mathew McCollough and Josh Branch. |
It is with great sadness that TASH has learned of the passing of Mathew McCollough yesterday. Mat was a conscientious and energetic advocate for the rights of people with disabilities in the District of Columbia and throughout the nation.
Mat McCollough’s professional career began at the United States Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, where he served as a Financial Assistant between 2000 and 2002. Since 2008 Mat has served as the Communications Manager for the DC Office of Disability Rights, Director for the District of Columbia Office of Disability Rights, and in 2017 Mayor Muriel Bowser appointed him Executive Director of the District of Columbia Developmental Disabilities Council. In 2011 and again in 2015, Mr. McCollough was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the United States Access Board. In 2016 he was elected Board President of the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities. Mat served on the TASH Board of Directors from 2012 to 2015 and was in the middle of a second term at the time of his death.
Michael Brogioli, TASH’s Executive Director, said of Mat that “he was a great advocate and bright light in the disability policy community. He was highly admired for his leadership in the District of Columbia and beyond. TASH greatly benefited from his service on our Board of Directors for many years, most recently as Treasurer. He was a wonderful colleague and friend; we all will miss him dearly.”
Debbie Taub, TASH’s President, noted that “Mat’s life, work, leadership, and friendship were a blessing to all those who knew him. Mat faced each obstacle thrown at him with quiet grace and humor. We were privileged to learn from him and work with him at TASH and we know that he and his work will remain an inspiration as we continue his journey to advocate for equity and dignity for people with disabilities.”
You can read WTOP’s news story about Mat, read Mayor Bowser’s announcement and watch a video of Mat talking about his work for disability justice at the DC Developmental Disabilities Council’s Judith Campaign YouTube page.