Val Thomas-Matson 

Keynote Speaker

Val Thomas-Matson, founder and executive producer of Look, Listen and Learn TV, holds more than three decades of experience in television and community advocacy. 

Thomas-Matson earned her B.A. in Broadcast Communications and a Minor in Early Childhood Development at Western Washington University. Her broadcast career started in 1981 at King Broadcasting’s Classic King FM 98.1 radio, where she was an administrative assistant. She worked on Flash, a teen show on (at) King TV as a segment producer, where she interviewed kid talent, researched copy, and prepared sets. She moved from radio into television at King, becoming the audience relations coordinator for Good Company, a morning show on hot local topics. She worked as a floor director, and public service announcement coordinator.

As a King County community organizer for 15 years, Thomas-Matson helped neighborhood groups develop solutions for issues they had identified. Her efforts emphasized community problem solving and included drug and alcohol prevention, after-school and homework programs, and block watches.

In 2002, during her tenure at King County, she began producing and hosting Communities in Action, a monthly public affairs TV show that aired for three years on King County TV.  The show highlighted local community efforts ranging from juvenile justice and crime prevention to youth groups and coalition building. Her guests included former U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders, on parenting and health, and author Antwone Fisher, on making a difference in the lives of young people.

Thomas-Matson left her job at King County in 2007 to develop Look, Listen and Learn. Her freelance experience includes voice work and media consulting. She has met Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and worked with Bill Nye the Science Guy. She works part-time as an executive producer for North by Northwest Productions. 

Val Thomas-Matson as Auntie Lena with Possum on the show Look, Listen and Learn

Thomas-Matson is an active member of Delta Upsilon Omega (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.) Her personal interests include card and jewelry making, reading and the sport of curling. She lives in Tukwila with her husband, Scott.

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