PDA Welcomes Matthew Varney as Director of Chapter Operations & Volunteer Engagement

The Private Directors Association has welcomed Matthew Varney as its new Director of Chapter Operations & Volunteer Engagement. Varney began in the newly created role on July 6.

In this position, Varney will lead strategy, operations, and relationship management for PDA’s growing Chapter network and volunteer leadership community. He will focus on strengthening Chapter governance and operational consistency, supporting volunteer leaders, and ensuring Chapters have the tools and guidance needed to deliver high-quality programming aligned with national standards and PDA’s strategic priorities.

“With Chapters being such an integral part of the fabric of PDA, we are delighted to welcome Matthew Varney in our newly created role of Director of Chapter Operations & Volunteer Engagement,” said PDA President & CEO Debra McGuire, FASAE, MBA, IOM, CAE. “Matt’s experience leading chapter operations and governance across global networks during the past 15 years will bring valuable perspectives as we work together with our 22 Chapters and 3,500+ members to drive private company success through the creation and optimization of governance boards comprised of qualified and diverse board members.”

Varney brings more than 15 years of leadership experience across membership associations and nonprofits. Most recently, he served as Executive Director at Associations International, where he contributed to national strategic planning and helped strengthen chapter capacity, operational consistency, and member experience across a global network. Previously, he held leadership roles with Entrepreneurs’ Organization and the International Coaching Federation, focusing on chapter systems, volunteer leadership development, and member engagement across diverse, multi-stakeholder networks.

“Through his work serving in senior roles at Associations International, the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, and the International Coaching Federation, he brings a blend of nonprofit leadership, chapter development, business acumen, and relationship‑centered governance to PDA,” McGuire said. “As our nonprofit continues its growth trajectory, having Matt in this position, guiding the work of our four dedicated Chapter Relations Managers, will be key to our shared success.”

Varney’s leadership philosophy is straightforward: create the right environment, and people can do remarkable things. He believes the strongest organizations are built on authentic relationships and constant clarity—principles he will bring to PDA’s Chapter community.

Outside of work, Varney is an avid music fan who loves live music and music festivals. He has hosted a show on WRFL, the University of Kentucky’s college radio station, for the past four years. Born and raised in Southern California, Varney is based in Lexington, Kentucky, where he lives with his wife, two daughters, a pug named Banksy, and a Boston terrier named Sandy.