Five Questions for Matt Keith

The Hope Atlanta board member explains how impactful the 125-year-old organization is in our community.

Matt Keith is the senior vice president for the Suburban Markets Segment – West at Bank of America. He’s been at the top of his business game for more than three decades. And while he holds a busy schedule, he’s always prioritized giving back to his community. In the past, he’s served in several capacities, such as the co-chair for the MS Bike Ride Bank of America Team, an American Diabetes Fundraising Chair, and a previous board member for Out Teach, an organization making science relatable for school-aged children. His work now centers around Hope Atlanta, an organization that has operated in Atlanta for more than 100 years. Here, he reflects on how much the organization means to him.

 

What inspires you to give back?

I’ve always had the mindset that if you’ve been very fortunate and are provided a wonderful life, and you have all the resources and support you need, there’s a need to give back. It’s the adage of paying it forward. If there’s anyone who needs assistance, even if I’m just passing them on the street, I try to be helpful. Plus, it’s something I learned from my mom. She was the same way. A big part of it is how I was brought up.

 

What is the mission of Hope Atlanta?

Hope Atlanta has been around for 125 years; it was previously known as Traveler’s Aid. It’s the oldest nonprofit in Atlanta addressing homelessness, around since the early 1900s. It’s mission is to give clients what they need to help them achieve stability and self-sufficiency.

 

How did you first get involved with the organization?

 I’ve been involved in the Atlanta community in different ways over the years; I was a co-chair for the Mayor’s LGBTQ advisory board. My co-chair there was the head of Covenant House, an organization that serves youth experiencing homelessness. I got involved with Covenant House, doing fundraising for “Night Out,” where you sleep outside to raise awareness and funds. I did that for two years and was passionate about the work.

I was also in the [community leadership program] Leadership Atlanta, and through that, I met the head of Hope Atlanta, who was an alumnus. I was invited to the kickoff strategy meeting and then they approached me about being the co-chair of the 2024 Heroes for Hope gala. And now I’m on the board.

 

How did your tenure as gala co-chair go in 2024 and 2025?

I had never co-chaired a gala before. Our goal in 2024 was $600,000, and we raised over $800,000. In 2025, the goal was over $1 million for the 125th anniversary. We surpassed it. We are looking forward to the 2026 event.

 

What are you most proud of in your work with Hope Atlanta?

In three-ish years, I am proud of what we’ve been able to achieve. The organization has done incredible work and continues to grow. When you look at the impact on the community, it’s really the most rewarding thing at the end of the day. We help people get to self-sufficiency. It’s not just getting people off the streets, but equipping them with skills. I’ve also enjoyed volunteering in the women’s kitchen, where they feed women breakfast and lunch during the week.