Meet Matt
Matthew J. O’Shea is serving his third term as Alderman of Chicago’s 19th Ward, proudly representing the communities of Beverly, Morgan Park, and Mount Greenwood. He has worked tirelessly to improve local schools, stimulate economic development, and enhance public safety.
Matt is a lifelong resident of Beverly. He is a graduate of Christ the King Grammar School (1983), Mt. Carmel High School (1987), and St. Mary’s University of Winona (1991). He and his wife Cara, a high school teacher in the Chicago Public Schools, reside in West Beverly, and are active members of Saint John Fisher Catholic Parish. They have three children: Brigid, Patrick, and Eileen.
In the City Council, Matt chairs the committee on Aviation and serves on the following committees:
- Budget & Government Operations
- Education & Child Development
- Economic, Capital, and Technological Development
- Finance
- Human Relations & Health
- Committees & Rules
Matt is involved with several civic and charitable organizations, including the Chicago Police Chaplain’s Ministry – Board of Directors, John McNicholas Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation – Board of Directors, and Special Olympics Chicago / Special Children’s Charities – Vice-President and former Board President.
He serves in an advisory capacity for the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences – Advisory Board, Chicago Police Memorial Foundation – Advisory Board, WINGS Metro, and A New Direction Beverly Morgan Park Advisory Committee.
He also serves as President of the 19th Ward Youth & Community Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization that supports and hosts a wide variety of safe, healthy, educational youth programs for children, seniors and families in his community.
In addition, he is involved with numerous organizations on the southwest side, volunteering his time with the Beverly Area Planning Association, Maple Morgan Park Community Food Pantry, Mount Greenwood Community & Business Association, Saint Vincent DePaul Society, Saint John Fisher Holy Name Society, Road Home Program at Rush Medical Center, and Ronald McDonald House at Advocate Children’s Hospital.