Matthew “Matt” Phelps

Born and raised in Indiana, I have deep roots here in Indiana and a deep desire to help all of my fellow Hoosiers. I attended Indiana State University, received an associate’s degree in industrial technology from Ivy Tech Indianapolis, and received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. I have traveled all over Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois as a mechanical engineer for an Indianapolis-based, family-owned company meeting people from every industry and working to solve problems with no easy solutions. My introduction to the political arena will bring a fresh perspective to the Clay Township Board. My wife, Shanna, and I have three graduates from Carmel High School attending Indiana University and look forward to working to help our township, city, and state continue to be a place where they all feel welcome and valued.

Close-up of a smiling man wearing glasses, a gray suit, a blue shirt, and a striped tie, standing in front of a plain gray wall.

Journey and learning

A man wearing safety glasses, a white hard hat with an orange sticker, a blue shirt with a white undershirt, and an orange safety vest. He is inside an industrial facility with metal stairs, ducts, and equipment visible in the background.

Born and raised in Northwest Indiana.

Attended Indiana State University for studio art.
Worked as landscaping technician and house framer over the summer.

Attended Ivy Tech for Industrial Technology, welding specialty.
Welded for a machine tool company as I worked through my degree.
Welded professionally for special projects division, designing and pricing 6-figure projects for Indianapolis company.
Welded for Houston-based company production welding.

3 years attendance in journeyman sheet metal program.
worked as sheet metal mechanic for 12 years.

Attended Austin Community College while working full time as sheet metal mechanic.

Attended The University of Texas at Austin and earned my BSME while helping care for my newborn baby.

Returned to Indianapolis 2010 and continued my career as a mechanical engineer. I have been working ever as Mech Engineer, Engineering Supervisor, Engineering Manager, and Senior Engineer.

Close-up of a person's wrist wearing a fitness tracker displaying 039 and 62, with a weight scale in the background showing 150.
A detailed pencil sketch of a large, multi-story house with a prominent round porch and multiple balconies, surrounded by trees and a yard with a sidewalk.
A painting of a small bird, possibly a chickadee, perched on a tree branch with a light blue sky background and brownish-orange ground.

Family and Home

A group of five people standing arm-in-arm on a beach with the ocean and waves in the background.

My beautiful wife and I have three wonderful kids, all graduates of Carmel High School.

Our children are now pursuing degrees at Indiana University and Indiana University Indianapolis in disciplines that they are looking forward to practicing after graduation.

We have many adventures and love to travel, but we always look forward to coming home to Carmel.

A man and woman posing for a selfie in front of a colorful sign that reads 'Carmel Porchfest.' The man is wearing glasses, a cool cap, and has a light beard. The woman is smiling, wearing a pink floral hat and sunglasses.