Commit to your passion
John Mattioli
At the University of Georgia, John Mattioli (BBA ’07) learned that success in business can be achieved through putting others first.
his scholarship support allowed him to focus on
Building Strong Relationships
At the University of Georgia, John Mattioli (BBA ’07) learned that success in business can be achieved through putting others first. As a student in the Terry College of Business, John had the opportunity to participate in the Leonard Leadership Scholars Program (LLSP), a program within the Institute for Leadership Advancement that promotes a strong servant-leader culture. Now, as partnerships and activation marketing manager at Chick-fil-A, Inc., John continues to cultivate his passion for positive influence through leadership. He also supports the development of future leaders through generous gifts to the LLSP.
“For me, [the LLSP] was the single best academic experience I had at UGA. I am inspired to give back to ensure that it continues to grow and prepare the next generation of leaders.”
John was drawn to UGA in part because of the scholarship support he was offered; he knew this financial assistance would allow him to focus less on figuring out how to pay his monthly bills and more on diversifying his educational experience through volunteering and extracurricular activities.
“I think the most important thing I did at UGA was build relationships though the various activities I took on,” John said.
As a Leonard Leadership Scholar, a member of the club Ultimate team, a Young Life leader and a study abroad participant, John solidified strong relationships that would prove to be driving forces in his future. John found himself surrounded by gifted people who inspired and encouraged him. He met his wife, Mia Catharine Mattioli (BSBE ’08), at UGA and the two are now expecting twins. He also made strong friendships while studying abroad in London that ultimately led to his career at Chick-fil-A.
John on the field at the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game.
John and his wife, Mia Catharine (BSBE ’08), with Uga at the 2016 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game.
In his own words
“For me, the Leonard Leadership Scholars Program was the single best academic experience I had at UGA. I am inspired to give back to ensure that it continues to grow and prepare the next generation of leaders.”
-John Mattioli
his leadership training inspired him to
Focus on Community Service
While on his trip abroad, John learned more about an internship at Chick-fil-A from a fellow student. As his friend described his internship experience, John realized that many of his own values and aspirations aligned with those of the company. He was compelled to apply, and he secured an internship in marketing. There, John was honored to be given the opportunity to work on significant projects and learn firsthand from those who have become some of the most influential leaders in his life. These leaders were truly invested in his personal and professional development and showed that the company cared deeply about serving its employees and communities. Ten years later, John is now managing the same department that he interned in years before.
“The best part about my job is the opportunity to interact with such a high caliber of people, who are incredible professionals as well as parents, spouses and community servants,” John said. “Sometimes I have to pinch myself and realize that this kind of environment is not a reality everywhere, but I hope that it shows that you can be successful while maintaining a focus on stewardship and service.”
John’s gifts to the Leonard Scholars Program will help future leaders get the life-changing, career-defining training that he had through the Institute for Leadership Advancement.
“Earl Leonard and the staff and faculty gave me an incredible gift with this program, so I want to pay it forward for the next generation of leaders,” said John. “I hope UGA can continue to be one of America’s premier institutions.”
Written by Nellie Pavluscenco ’18
Do you have a cause about which you’re passionate? Undesignated gifts to the Georgia Fund go entirely to fund scholarships, allowing talented students in your field to pursue their education and discover how they can change the world.
John speaking at a Chick-fil-A Leader Academy event in 2014.
John and Mia Catharine at Windsor Castle in 2016, their first return visit since studying abroad in London, England as students.
