In Loving Memory of Mathew William, Mat McCollough 
1975–2026

Mathew William, Mat McCollough, 50, of Washington, DC, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, with his loving wife Melissa, by his side. Born in the Philippines on October 11, 1975, and raised in Stafford, Virginia, Mat made Washington, DC his home beginning in 2001, dedicating the next 25 years of his life to the city and its people.

Mat lived a life grounded in dignity, service, and an unwavering belief in belonging. A devoted public servant, advocate, mentor, and friend, he led with deep compassion and exceptional commitment. His legacy is reflected not in accolades, but in the countless lives he enriched and the opportunities he created for others.

A Distinguished Career of Service

Mat earned a Master of Public Administration from American University after completing his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at James Madison University. His distinguished 18-year career with the Government of the District of Columbia was defined by a steadfast dedication to disability rights and civil inclusion.

Mat served most of his tenure at the District’s Office of Disability Rights (ODR). He joined the newly established agency in 2008 as its first Communications Manager and, through his vision and leadership, later became its Director from 2017 to 2026. During those years, he worked tirelessly earning deep trust within the community to strengthen accessibility across DC Government, expand disability awareness and training, build the agency’s capacity, and champion inclusive emergency preparedness initiatives. Through his efforts, he ensured that ODR remained an accessible, reliable resource where meaningful disability access became a reality for residents across the District of Columbia. Colleagues and community members saw every day what it looks like when values become action—kindness, inclusion, and unwavering respect for every individual.

His expertise and leadership were recognized nationally. In 2011, President Barack Obama appointed him to the United States Access Board. In 2015, he was re-appointed by President Barack Obama to serve a second term on the United States Access Board, a total of 11 years served through three administrations, helping advance accessibility standards that continue to support full integration and participation for people with disabilities throughout the nation.

Beyond his government service, Mat generously shared his insight with numerous national and regional organizations, including the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), the National Center for Cultural Competence (NCCC), DC’s Developmental Disabilities (DD) Network, and the American Association of Persons with Disabilities (AAPD). Mat will be remembered by many for his quiet strength, thoughtful leadership, his powerful advocacy, his openness, and the deep and steady compassion that made others feel safe and valued.

A Life Rooted in Character and Community with Lasting Impact

Long before his educational and professional accomplishments, Mat’s character was shaped by the communities that nurtured him. A member of the inaugural graduating class of Brooke Point High School in Stafford, Virginia, he was active in Boy Scouts, student government, band, Best Buddies, and other organizations that reflected his lifelong commitment to service and inclusion.

His time as an Eagle Scout and member of the Order of the Arrow instilled the resilience, humor, and grit that remained hallmarks of his life. One well-loved story from his scouting days—completing an overnight survival challenge only to discover he had camped in the middle of poison ivy—captured his unshakeable optimism and lighthearted determination. This story also highlights Mat’s resourcefulness and unwavering positive attitude.

A Devoted Husband, Son, Brother, and Friend

While Mat’s professional impact was significant, his heart was most anchored at home. He was a devoted husband to Melissa and a constant source of strength for his parents, siblings, and extended family. He was known for his quick wit, wisdom, guidance, boundless kindness, and genuine interest in the well-being of others. Mat asked how people were doing—and he meant it. Mat’s life never separated “advocacy” from “humanity.” His advocacy served to strengthen humanity with empathy. Mat leaves behind a world that is better and brighter because he was in it. We all will remember his wit, wisdom, guidance, and deep love for all people.

Family

Mat is survived by his loving wife, Melissa McCollough; his parents, Brian and Nancy McCollough; his brother, Christopher (Jennifer) McCollough; his sister, Megan McCollough; and his niece, Arlene (Abby) McCollough.

Mat is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Melanie Baldwin and Devri (Chad) McCammon; and niece-in-law and nephew-in-law, Kendyl and Rowan. He leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, godchildren, and many dear friends.

Mat was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jay and Margie McCollough and Norman “Bud” and Millie Iehl.

Service Information

Mat's Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held at:

Location: 

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 5th Floor

901 G Street NW

Washington, DC 20001

Date: Friday, February 20, 2026

Time: 11:30AM Eastern Time

Mat's Celebration of Life and Memorial Service on Friday, February 20, 2026 will be live streamed at this link starting at 11:00AM Eastern Time:

https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/81301690848

In Lieu of Flowers: Please consider making a donation in Mat's name to the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), at nacdd.org, thank you.  

A Special Remembrance from Mat’s Wife, Melissa

Mat is, and will forever be, the love and light of my life. We were soulmates, married on July 5, 2014. Our 14-year bond was built on understanding, unwavering support, wisdom, laughter, friendship, and forever love. Mat will be remembered for his quiet strength, a laugh that lights up a room, and a deep kindness that reached beyond a hug or handshake. He cared about everyone and had a deep love for all people. Though small in stature, he was a giant among men.

A limb has fallen from the family tree that says, “Grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter, the song, the good life I lived while I was strong.” Mat, my love, until we meet again—I love you to the moon and back.