Matt VanVactor was born and raised in Washington, Missouri. He attended East Central College while working with adults and youth with developmental disabilities in Franklin County.

In 1985, Matt moved to Marshall, Missouri, where he began his career as a direct care staff member. He later advanced into a Cottage Life Supervisor role and then into recruitment and licensing within the Therapeutic Foster Care program. Over the years, Matt continued to grow in leadership, working in advancement before assuming the role of Director of Purchasing, Inspections and Fleet Management. He later became Director of Facilities in Marshall and now serves as Senior Director of Facilities statewide.

In his current role, Matt oversees facilities teams across Missouri, ensuring youth are supported by clean, safe and therapeutic environments where they can heal and grow into healthy young adults.

Matt is active in his community and has served on the Saline County United Way Board, the MU Extension Council Board and the Marshall Community Food Pantry.