Secretary Matt Walsh, Chair

Matt Walsh is a 28-year law enforcement professional. In August 2025, he was appointed secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice by Governor Ron DeSantis. Before this role, he served as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Deputy Executive Director leading Public Safety Command (PSC) which includes, Capitol Police, Protective Services Division (PSD), Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS), Information and Technology (IT), High Tech Cyber, Targeted Violence Prevention Program (TVPP), and Officer Wellness.

Matt began his career at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, which included assignments to road patrol, auto theft detective, homicide detective, and SWAT operator. In 2003, Matt accepted a position with FDLE. He has worked and held leadership positions in Fort Myers, Jacksonville and Tallahassee.

During his time with FDLE, Matt has investigated violent crime, homicide, public corruption, and organized crime. Matt had assignments to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force before promoting into leadership positions.

In 2020, Matt was appointed Interim Sheriff for the Clay County Sheriff’s Office by Governor DeSantis.

Matt has lectured and trained law enforcement members in death and homicide, stress management, mental health and resiliency. Matt was a member of three suicide reduction focus groups: the Florida Delegation for the Governor’s Challenge to reduce/eliminate suicide among service members, veterans and their family members, the First Responder Suicide Reduction Task Force and the State of Florida Suicide Council. Matt was the founder of the FDLE Critical Incident Stress Management/Peer Support Team and has led interventions following the Pulse Nightclub attack, the Broward Airport Shooting, the Parkland School Shooting, the Sebring Mass Shooting, Pensacola NAS and other critical incidents.

Matt has been recognized for his service to the citizens of Florida, to include commendations for The Combat Cross, 3 Unit Citations, Gallantry Star, Grand Cordon, 2 US Attorney Officer of the Year awards and the Commissioner’s Medal.

Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Southern Vermont College and a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Florida State University. Matt is a graduate of the FDLE Foundational Leadership Program (FLP), the FDLE Advanced Leadership Program (ALP), the FDLE Senior Leadership Program (SLP), the Florida Leadership Academy (FLA), the FBI Florida Executive Development Seminar (FEDS) and the Naval Postgraduate School, Executive Leaders Program (ELP).