Meet The Spirit of Springfield Staff

Judith A. Matt President, Spirit of Springfield

Amy J. Barron-Burke Vice President

Kristen K. Anderson Program Coordinator

Determination….

Integrity…

These are words that come to mind when co-workers, business associates, and friends describe Judy Matt. The Springfield Newspapers once called her Springfield’s “First Lady of Marketing and Sales Promotions,” an apt description of a woman who has dedicated the past three decades of her life to the advancement of Springfield’s cultural and business environment.

Matt’s impressive list of accomplishments demonstrate an unparalleled ability to bring people together as she communicates her message — an ability that has served her well as a liaison to business and government leaders. Also recognized as a formidable fund raiser, her creative talents are balanced by analytical skills and a compassionate approach to problem-solving. Matt’s passion for excellence has earned her a reputation as the city’s premier event consultant. Her ongoing efforts to strengthen residents’ pride in the city of Springfield have seen the city through some difficult times, and continue to show dividends today.

Judith A. Matt served as the Executive Director of the Spirit of Springfield since its incorporation in December of 1989. In August of 1996 she was named President. In these roles, she has entertained over three million people with events like "Hoop-It-Up", the "World's Largest Pancake Breakfast", "Slice of Summer", "Star Spangled Springfield", "Parade of the Big Balloons" and of course her most successful venture, "Bright Nights at Forest Park". She has also taken the lead in producing countless events for other organizations, including Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinements, Springfield Police Academy Graduations, Mayoral Inaugurations, Dr. Seuss National Memorial Unveiling, and many more.

Prior to the Spirit of Springfield, Judy served the Greater Springfield Community as the Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Community Affairs in Springfield, Vice President and Manager of the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, and as Vice President of Marketing and Promotions at Baystate West.

CURRENT AFFILIATIONS

• Vice Chair, Bay Path College
• Director, Urban League of Springfield
• Treasurer, Springfield Cable Television Programming Endowment, Inc.
• Director, Camp Atwater
• Trustee, New Leadership Charter School
• Co-chair, Dr. Seuss National Memorial Unveiling
• Director, Horace Mann Foundation
• Director, Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield
• Director, Pioneer Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau

AWARDS

• Leadership Springfield Community Service Award by the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce 2000
• BPW Distinguished Achievement in Professionalism & Community Service Award, 1999
• Massachusetts General Court Woman of Distinction, 1999
• Governor's Conference on Travel and Tourism Leadership Award, 1998
• Veteran’s Day Parade Marshal, 1998
• Duggan Family Spirit Award, 1998
• Urban League of Springfield Community Builder Award, 1997
• Falcons City Pride Award, 1997
• Valley Press Club Headliner of the Year, 1987, 1996
• Eastern States Friend of the Big E Award (Springfield), 1995
• National Cancer Society Award
• WWLP-TV22 Citizenship Award
• Veterans Council Outstanding Achievement Award
• Numerous Ad Club of Springfield Awards
• Most Public Spirited Downtowner, Springfield Newspapers
• Pioneer Valley Girl Scout Council Women of Distinction Award

PREVIOUS AFFILIATIONS

Past President:

• American Cancer Society, Springfield Chapter
• American Heart Association, Springfield Chapter
• Women's Division Chamber of Commerce
• Past Director:
• Community Music School
• Massachusetts Arts Lottery
• YMCA
• Red Cross
• Chairperson, NBA Day
• Past Corporator:
• Corporator, Brightside
• Corporator, Baystate Medical Center
• Corporator, Community Savings Bank

Past Member:

• Rotary Club of Springfield
• Springfield Central
• Mattoon Street Society
• Springfield Clean City Committee
• World Affairs Council
• NCAA Division II Basketball Committee
• Peach Basket Festival Committee
• Springfield Preservation Trust
• Zonta Club
• Women’s Symphony League
• Springfield Women’s Club

Appointments

• Governor's Advisory Council on Travel and Tourism
• Executive Committee, Massachusetts Convention Center
• Western Massachusetts Representative, Governor's Tourism Commission

Amy J. Barron-Burke

Vice President

Amy has been with Spirit of Springfield since its inception. As vice president, she oversees event logistics, operations, media relations, marketing and bus tours for Bright Nights at Forest Park. She works closely with Springfield city departments, business leaders and volunteer organizations to provide quality events for the community.

Native to the area, Amy is a graduate of East Longmeadow High School, Endicott College and she continued her education the University of Massachusett's University Without Walls program.