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.

Bradley Bewkes

Director of Business Development

Hi there! I’m the Director of Business Development at Idealist, where I’ve been fortunate to help grow our mission since 2015 by building partnerships, launching new products, and fostering collaborations. My background spans tech, entrepreneurship, and public service, and I’m deeply committed to using technology for social good. I also serve on tech advisory boards at CUNY and the board of Opportunity to Restore, supporting women and girls impacted by incarceration. Previously, I served as an elected official in Stamford, CT, and have launched ventures in fashion, fitness, consumer goods, and real estate. When I’m not working, you’ll find me spending time with my husband, our dog Benson, playing tennis, scuba-diving, or exploring new places. Feel free to drop me a line at bradley@idealist.org! :)

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