Matt Parker has spent years in the trenches of humanitarian work. Living on four different continents in his career, he has led global efforts in poverty reduction, economic development, and child services. Most recently, he spent three years in Thailand where he served as Chairman of a charitable foundation, Joy to the World. He spent one year directing a Children’s Home which provided education for nearly 50 at-risk girls.
While still in SE Asia, he later became deputized in 2011 with the Thai Royal Police as a sanctioned informant into the underage sex industry and human trafficking. Working with local police, he investigated over 300 brothels. During his time spent undercover, he began a coalition of investigators called The Exodus Road. He saw the need for collaboration and spent two years networking with those active in the field, including quality after-care facilities, NGO’s, and government partners. In July of 2012, he moved back to the United States to spearhead efforts for the coalition.
In the past year, the coalition has grown to include 124 undercover investigators, most of whom serve as volunteers. The Exodus Road has field directors, whom Matt manages, in the United States, India, and Thailand. Matt’s organization has supported the rescue of 191 victims of human trafficking in the last 12 months. He is an innovator and has personally delivered over 114 pieces of cutting-edge covert gear to field teams. He serves as the chief fundraising officer for the organization and in this fiscal year, they have raised over $315,000 alone.
Matt still works undercover when he travels and visits field teams several times a year, providing oversight and leadership.