Matt Hortt, Ph.D.

Contact Information

Professional/Academic Experience

Dr. Matthew Hortt is currently Executive Director of the High Plains Library District and has been the City Librarian for the City of Santa Clarita Public Libraries and the Director of the Simi Valley Public Library. He has over twenty years of experience in public libraries working at all levels in Colorado, Nevada, California. 

 He holds a Master’s Degree in Library Science from the University of North Texas and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Public Affairs from The University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

 Hortt has experience in library safety/security, policy writing, strategic planning and construction project management. He has a passion for library advocacy and focuses on fundraising, working closely with Library Friends and Foundation groups to diversify fundraising activities. 

 He is active in the library profession and community; graduating from the Mountain Plains Library Association Leadership Institute 2010, Leadership Henderson Class of 2013 and Simi Valley Leadership Class of 2017, Northern Colorado Leadership Class of 2019. His service includes: Workforce Development Councils, Economic Development Councils, Emergency Management Councils and Rotary Club. He has served on the Weld County Workforce Development Board for the past few years and is the current chair elect. He was recognized as the Workforce Ambassador in 2022 by the Colorado Workforce Development Council.