Matt Strickler

Strickler originally hails from Lexington.[2] After receiving degrees in public policy and environmental studies from Washington and Lee University, he completed master's programs in public policy and marine science at the College of William and Mary,[2] where he studied aquaculture and sustainable development at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.[3] Strickler completed his studies at the College of William and Mary in 2007. He was selected that year as a Knauss Marine Policy Fellow through the Virginia Sea Grant Program.[4]

Strickler first met Ralph Northam in 2008, while working in Hampton Roads for Mark Warner's 2008 senatorial campaign.[3] Northam then brought Strickler on as a legislative aid, upon being elected to the Virginia State Senate.[1][2] Strickler oversaw Northam's offices in Richmond and Norfolk. In 2010, the Virginia-Pilot described Strickler as Northam's "only full-time staffer".[3]

Strickler has also served as a senior policy adviser to the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources.[1][2]

In 2010, Strickler co-founded Old Plantation Oyster Company LLC,[5] an oyster farming company in Cape Charles, Northampton County on Virginia's Eastern Shore. His co-founder, Clark Mercer, served as Northam's Chief of Staff during Northam's lieutenant governorship, and has continued to serve in a similar position under Northam's governorship.[3]