The America Project was founded in 2021 with the mission of making a meaningful difference in the lives of everyday Americans. Initially, its activities were limited, maintaining only a modest social media presence. The project’s founder, Matthew Bennett, faced financial constraints that prevented him from fully dedicating his time and resources to the cause.
However, as the 2024 election cycle approached, The America Project began ramping up its efforts on social media, sharing insights and fostering discussions around critical issues facing American democracy. Following the election, Matthew recognized the urgency of the project’s mission. With growing disinformation and division threatening the nation’s democratic foundations, he resolved to turn The America Project into a fully realized initiative.
The pivotal moment came when The America Project’s social media accounts began sharing the concepts and strategies now at the heart of its mission. Within 30 days, the account experienced explosive growth, with engagement increasing by over 3,000%. This surge revealed a strong appetite among Americans for actionable solutions and a willingness to participate in change—they simply needed direction.
With this groundswell of interest, a team of passionate volunteers joined the effort, ready to work toward a sustained campaign to combat disinformation, rebuild trust, and foster civic engagement.
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Founder: Matt Bennett
Matt Bennett is an accomplished leader with over 25 years of experience in program and project management, specializing in integrating business strategies with innovative technological solutions. His career spans various industries, including public and private sectors, energy, government, and technology, with a strong emphasis on geospatial technologies, software development, and organizational transformation.
Key Highlights of Matt’s Career:
- Expertise in Project and Program Management:
- Successfully managed large-scale, complex projects using diverse technical methodologies such as Agile, SAFe, Waterfall, and hybrid approaches.
- Developed and implemented Program Management Offices (PMOs) to enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and improve outcomes.
- Leadership in Technology and Innovation:
- Extensive experience in geospatial technologies, including work with ESRI tools, data management, and GIS applications for public safety, infrastructure, and enterprise solutions.
- Managed cutting-edge projects, such as cloud-based systems, digital transformations, and advanced CRM implementations using platforms like Salesforce, Microsoft Azure, and AWS.
- Strategic Impact in Public Sector Projects:
- Worked on significant federal and state-level projects, including geospatial systems for the Department of Homeland Security and enterprise software for Texas Department of Transportation and other public agencies.
- Played a pivotal role in designing and managing systems that improve public infrastructure, safety, and operational efficiencies.
- Track Record of Success:
- Increased project profitability by up to 30% through improved standards and methodologies.
- Led initiatives that achieved up to 50% revenue growth in a single year and significantly improved employee retention.
- Commitment to Organizational Change and Development:
- Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams, establish new standards, and drive transformational change.
- Spearheaded multi-million-dollar initiatives that integrated technology, process improvements, and organizational development.
Matt Bennett’s extensive experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects and his ability to deliver results under challenging circumstances make him uniquely qualified to lead The America Project. His expertise in leveraging technology, building strategic partnerships, and fostering community engagement aligns perfectly with the project’s mission to combat disinformation and empower grassroots activism.
Under his leadership, The America Project is poised to harness innovative strategies, implement cutting-edge tools, and inspire civic participation to address the pressing challenges facing democracy today.
matt@america-project.org
Co-Founder: Janet Bennett, PhD
Dr. Janet Bennett is a social psychologist with a PhD specializing in aggression and social exclusion. Her extensive academic background and research experience provide The America Project with a deep understanding of the psychological factors driving polarization, misinformation, and social division.
Dr. Bennett’s expertise lies in examining how individuals and groups respond to exclusion and how these dynamics can fuel aggressive behaviors or deepen social divides. Her work also explores strategies to foster inclusion, rebuild trust, and mitigate conflict—key elements in addressing the disinformation and division targeted by The America Project.
Dr. Bennett’s knowledge of social behavior and group dynamics directly informs the project’s strategies, particularly its emphasis on grassroots engagement and countering misinformation. Her insights are critical to developing messaging and interventions that resonate with diverse audiences, break down barriers, and foster meaningful community connections.
Her leadership ensures The America Project’s approach is grounded in evidence-based methods, enabling it to tackle complex social challenges effectively and sustainably.