At ECE, we’re proud of the diverse and talented individuals who make up our team. Our “Meet the Team” blog series is your chance to get to know the people behind the work—what inspires them, what they love, and what makes them uniquely ECE.
Meet Matt
Get to know Matt Holochwost, one of ECE’s dedicated Evaluators, whose curiosity and service-minded approach perfectly capture the spirit of our work. With a background in history and a passion for painting miniatures and exploring diverse musical genres, Matt brings both intellect and heart to the evaluation process. In this Q&A, he shares insights into his role at ECE, his love for solving document puzzles, and the joy he finds in helping people achieve their dreams. Plus, discover what music gets him onto the dance floor and which spicy cuisine he enjoys cooking at home.
Q & A Session
Q: What's your background? What did you do before joining ECE?
My academic background is in history. I have both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree. I wore many hats over the years before joining ECE, but one of my most memorable jobs was working in a living history museum. I learned a lot of 19th-century farm skills—cream separating, woodworking, even blacksmithing! I can't say I'd be proficient enough to survive back in those days, but it was a really memorable experience, and I met a lot of great people.
Q: What do you do at ECE? What excites you most about your position and/or your team?As an Evaluator, I think I am at the center stage of what ECE does. I love looking at all the different documents. We have seen many of our documents before, but sometimes you get that rare document that requires more research. It can be like a mini puzzle, in a way. It's very satisfying to figure out that document and what it represents.
Q: What do you like most about working at ECE?
I think I've always been somewhat service-minded. I love being able to genuinely help people from all over the world and help them achieve their goals. I can't begin to imagine what a big step it is for our clients to pick up their lives and move to the U.S. I really hope that ECE helps smooth the way in their life journey. I have several letters and messages that former clients have sent me regarding their successes, and I really treasure these notes.
Q: What’s one of your favorite activities when you’re not working? Tell us something that others might find surprising.
I'm an avid tabletop gamer. I have way too many small miniatures (in several genres) that I paint. Fantasy, sci-fi, historical, I will paint it all if it strikes my fancy. My wife is a saint for putting up with all my clutter!
When I'm not working, I really love listening to music. I like a lot of genres, stretching from British Invasion to post-punk to Gen X hip hop and grunge. If I really had to pick one genre, it would be industrial. I'm relatively straightforward-looking so I think it would be surprising for others to see me in a club with all the black-dressed goths! Ha!
Q: Where have you traveled inside or outside of the U.S.? Do you have a favorite country, city, or region that you like to visit?
I've managed some travel outside of the U.S., but maybe not as much as some of my colleagues. I’ve been to China and Europe. One of my favorite countries was Iceland. Reynisfjara, the black sand beach on Iceland's southern coast, is one of the most magical and otherworldly places I've ever seen. The sand, the basalt pillars, the churning ocean, the tall rocks known as the "trolls"... everything about it was breathtaking.
Q: Do you have a favorite cuisine? If yes, a particular dish you love?
I love just about everything! While I love just about every cuisine, the ones I always come back to are Mexican, Italian, and Indian. I really enjoy making curry at home. I really like the savory flavors and the creeping levels of spice that Indian dishes have.
Lightning round!
Q: Vacation or staycation?
Staycation
Q: Night or morning?
Night
Q: Passenger or driver?
Driver
Q: Be embarrassed or be afraid?
Be afraid
Q: City or country?
City
Q: Wine or beer?
Beer
Q: Cooking or being cooked for?
Cooking
Our "Meet the Team" blog series offers a closer look at the diverse talents and passions that power ECE. These interviews celebrate the individuals who help shape our culture and move our mission forward. We invite you to follow along as we continue to share the voices and stories that make ECE a special place.