Council Member Matthew Ellis Havre de GraceGovernmentElected OfficialsCouncil Member Matthew Ellis matthewe@havredegracemd.com Matthew Ellis began serving on the Havre de Grace City Council in May 2025 after earning the support of voters in his first run for public office. Originally from Maryland’s Eastern Shore, he grew up in Kent County with a deep appreciation for small town values and life by the water. Nearly a decade ago, he made Havre de Grace his home, bringing with him a long standing commitment to community service. A master barber by trade, Matthew has built more than a business. He has built relationships. His barber chair has become a place for conversation, mentorship, and connection. He has volunteered his skills at homeless shelters, back to school events, and even traveled to Ghana to provide free haircuts at an orphanage, where he also taught older children and staff the trade. He believes that whatever your profession, you can make a meaningful difference in the world. Matthew’s passion for service is reflected in his extensive volunteer work across the city. He served on the Youth Commission and Independence Day Commission before being elected and currently serves as Council Liaison to the Tree Commission and Youth Commission, is a member of the Havre de Grace Green Team, and participates in clean up efforts through the Citizens Against Trash Club. He also volunteers at the Maritime Museum’s boat building shop and regularly attends PTSA and Parks and Recreation meetings. As a Court Appointed Special Advocate, he stands up for children in foster care. He is also a proud graduate of the Harford County Leadership Academy, Class of 2025. He is the founder of Feeding Havre de Grace, a local initiative connecting residents with food resources and raising awareness of unmet community needs. He coaches youth soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, and believes in leading by example. Whether that means staying active, hosting neighborhood cookouts, or keeping an open door policy to anyone with ideas or concerns, Matthew stays involved and accessible. In addition to his local work, he remains engaged at the state level, speaking in Annapolis on issues that impact Havre de Grace and its residents. His approach to public service is grounded in transparency, accessibility, and long term investment in the people of this city. Living near the water continues to inspire him, just as it did growing up. Matthew approaches public service with the same mindset that has guided him through life. He believes accountability breeds responsibility, but that responsibility must lead to opportunity, not just for yourself but for others as well. That commitment to action and empathy is what drives him to help build an environment where people feel seen, valued, and supported. His guiding principle is simple: “Be who you needed when you were younger”.