Matt Cannella is director of external affairs at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, where he leads a team of professionals to raise critical funds to advance the organization’s conservation work and animal care programs. He oversees major gift fundraising, communications, membership, special events and also manages engagement with the Zoo's Advisory Board.

Before joining the Zoo, Cannella worked at George Washington University, first as director of development for the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and later as executive director for the college. During his tenure, he raised funds for various university-wide initiatives for student aid, food security and support for young professionals pursuing careers in public service and journalism. He successfully led a campaign to establish the Ted Turner Professorship in Environmental Media and coordinated with three advisory councils.

Cannella previously spent seven years at The Nature Conservancy. During his tenure, he fundraised for global conservation efforts, strengthening effectiveness at the principal gift level. He also launched a fundraiser literacy intranet site focused on the Conservancy's global priorities. He led a strategic events management program to cultivate and steward the organization’s most important donors. These events ranged from large galas to private retreats and included the Conservancy's entrance to the London market in 2014. His work culminated in supporting the global freshwater program in conjunction with an $8 billion One World Campaign.

Cannella earned a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in non-profit management from George Mason University and a bachelor's degree in public relations from the University of Florida. He served as a founding member on the advisory board for the Florida Cicerones Alumni Association, the University of Florida's official student ambassador organization. He lives with his family in Alexandria, Va.