Matt Waligora

Personal History

I was raised in Long Rapids, Michigan and attended Alpena Public Schools.  I am the youngest of seven children of Nancy and the late Tom Waligora.  Immediately following graduation in 1985 I joined the U.S. Navy where I served the next 11 years in the Nuclear Submarine Force as a Sonar Technician.  I served my final three years of duty with the U.S. Navy at a training facility as an instructor of oceanography and submarine acoustics.  I returned to Alpena in 1996.

Work Experience

I attribute my work ethics to the farms in Long Rapids and strawberry fields of Herron, where I was introduced to hard work and long days.  Eleven years in the military taught me maturity, communication skills, and diplomacy.  I am grateful to everyone who afforded me the opportunity to work at jobs to support my family; Hunter Construction (twice), S & A Company, Thunder Bay Power, Fletcher Paper Company, and Beaver's Radiator, for the first several years back in Alpena.  At the age of 35 I attended ACC and received an Associate's Degree in computer aided drafting and started a career at Panel Processing, Inc. where I am now the Corporate Quality Control Manager for eleven production plants and supervise the drafting portion of the engineering department.

Interests

For many years, I enjoyed coaching, managing, or watching my two kids play baseball, softball, hockey, volleyball, tennis, track, and soccer.  It was very rewarding to coach the beginner hockey program for nine years and occasionally playing in the men's league.  I enjoy as much of Northern Michigan as time permits; camping, canoeing, paddle boarding, bicycling, beach volleyball, running 5K’s, community events, and walking my girl Friday, my Boston terrier/boxer.

Community Involvement

I served on the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement and taught an invaluable personal finance/entrepreneurs course to high school students.  I was a member of the Wings Over Alpena committee that promoted, marketed, and raised funds for the biannual air show hosted by the Alpena CRTC. I am a past president and member of the Alpena Boosters Club which provides funds and support for area youth sports.  I have held the position of Mayor of the City of Alpena since January of 2012.  My governmental related committee positions can be found on the city web site.