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.

Kara Montermoso

Chief of Staff

After years of finding nonprofit jobs using Idealist, in 2004 I was offered the opportunity to come full circle and work for Idealist. I've worn many hats over the years supporting both our amazing community and awesome staff. Though I loved my time in NYC, I am currently based in San Francisco, CA. My two kids keep me busy and we're always looking for new activities to be involved in our community. I practice yoga, run the trails in Golden Gate Park, and coach youth sports.

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