2026 40 Under 40: Matt Carra

As communications coordinator of The Child Advocacy Center Inc., Matt Carra, 37, uses storytelling to tactfully bring awareness to a sensitive subject: child abuse.

In just over a year in this role, Carra has increased e-newsletter readership by 30% and reduced monthly unsubscribe rates to less than 1%. In addition to email newsletters, he uses social media to ensure the community is aware of child abuse prevention and support services offered by the nonprofit.

“Creating meaningful impact through storytelling, community engagement and fundraising is not abstract – it directly changes lives,” Carra says.

Carra also serves on the planning committee for Springfield Black Tie, one of the region’s largest nonprofit fundraising events. In 2025, he helped the organization raise over $460,000 for 13 local charities.