Matt Ross

Matt Ross, author of GROW OR FOLD: Transform Yourself in Midlife and Beyond, is an entrepreneur and media executive with nearly 30 years of experience building businesses that inspire passion and creativity.

Since 2012, Matt has been the Founder and CEO of One River School, whose mission is to “Transform Art Education®.” Today, One River operates fifteen schools across six states, with plans for substantial expansion. Previously, he was CEO of School of Rock, growing the company from 5 to 55 locations and overseeing its sale to Roark Capital in 2023.

Matt holds an MBA in Finance from NYU Stern and a marketing degree, cum laude, from SUNY Albany. He is a former trustee of Art21 and the Bergen Performing Arts Center.

His advocacy focuses on building communities for adults with autism, supporting organizations like Reed Autism Services and United Way of Bergen County, and championing artists and arts-based organizations. He has also curated a personal collection of over 400 contemporary artworks by more than 100 artists.