District Profile: Matthew Kelleher

Name: Matthew Kelleher

Title: Head of Google Marketing Platform Value Consulting

Organization: Google

What do you do, and how did you get here?

I work at Google and lead one of our Global Business teams focused on helping our clients get the most out of the Google Marketing Platform! I also lead the Google Farm-to-Table NYC Chapter which is an internal network of Googlers who come together to support sustainability in our food system through organizing and facilitating experiences around sustainable agriculture, farming + organic gardening and seasonal produce + home cooking.

We are excited to volunteer at the 2018 Harvest Fest here in the Meatpacking District where we’ll be offering local candy apples and fun kid’s activities around seed crafting where they’ll learn more about where their food comes from. The Google Farm-to-Table group is also joined by our friends at the FarmOn! Foundation, which is a non-profit organization that hosts the annual Big Apple Crunch, an event that highlights local apple farms and children’s healthy school lunches in the State of New York.

What do you love about Meatpacking?

The Meatpacking District is special to me because I’ve seen it change from the front lines as I’ve worked and lived in the area for over 20 years.  As the High Line has been restored over time it has been amazing to see the area businesses evolve and bring people together – especially places like sweetgreen, Blue Bottle Coffee and Santina, which are some of my local favorites. The Chelsea Local at Chelsea Market is also a favorite and a lot of our Farm-to-Table Googlers are big fans as it’s the best place to get fresh organic food and produce – especially Manhattan Fruit Market & Dickson’s Farmstand Meats!

If you had 15 minutes, how will you spend it in the neighborhood?

Today if I had 15 minutes only it would be a morning stroll along the High Line with my headphones on to check out the latest art installations they were featuring!

If you had a few hours, how would you ideally spend the day?

If I had a few hours, I’d hit up the Equinox High Line for a morning workout and then head to brunch with friends in the neighborhood.  After walking around stores in the area like Warby Parker & Levi’s, I’d either pop into the Whitney Museum or check out one of my favorite art galleries.

Where do you go to escape the crowds? People watch?

To escape the crowd I would grab a table at the Black Barn Cafe which is a hidden gem inside the Chelsea Market.  To people watch I’d pop over to the Standard Biergarten which is the best place to see the neighborhood come to life!

Where will you recommend for a great cocktail or bite?

I would definitely recommend the Tippler for a local craft beer and then don’t miss the new restaurant at Restoration Hardware!

What’s your most memorable moment or experience in Meatpacking?

My most memorable moment in Meatpacking, was when I attended the High Line’s Mile Long Opera, an immersive performance with local choral groups that celebrated personal stories of New Yorkers – it was incredible!