Biography

Commissioner Matthew P. McKenzie was born in Fairhope, Alabama, and is a fourth generation Baldwin County resident. Matt and his wife, Cristie, reside in Barnwell, Alabama, with their two daughters, Kaleigh and Emaleigh.

Matt attended Fairhope schools through the 10th grade and graduated from the Gulf Coast Academy in 1988. After enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1990, Matt served five and a half years during which time he also spent time abroad as a Marine Security Guard at the American Embassies in Brazilia, Brazil (March 1993-May 1994), and Sofia, Bulgaria (May 1994-July 1995).

Matt was honorably discharged from the military with the rank of E-5 Sergeant. In 1995, Matt attended Southwest Alabama Police Academy in Bay Minette, Alabama, to pursue a career in law enforcement. He was a police officer in Eufaula, Alabama, from 1996-1997 and in August of 1997, Matt was hired by the Alabama Department of Public Safety, known today as the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), where he began his career as an Alabama State Trooper. During his tenure, he was promoted to corporal and served the citizens of the State of Alabama in many capacities: Highway Patrolman, Hearing Officer, Fraud Investigator, and Post Commander – Driver License Division.

Matt was honored to be the Detail Leader for the University of Alabama’s Million Dollar Band for over 10 years. In March of 2021, he retired after 24 years as an Alabama State Trooper.

Matt is a member of the FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) Lodge 43.

Matt and his family enjoy taking care of their small family farm in Barnwell where they have cows, goats and a horse that graze on their pecan orchard. The family enjoys watching Alabama football together.

A Republican, Matt is currently serving his first term on the Baldwin County Commission (Term: 2022-2026).