Matthew Herridge

Matthew L. Herridge currently serves as the West Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. A lifelong resident of the state, he earned a Bachelor of Science from Harding University and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Virginia Tech.

Before entering the business world in 2005, Dr. Herridge spent a decade in clinical practice at Charleston Area Medical Center and served as a member of the clinical faculty at the West Virginia University School of Medicine.

He went on to lead the expansion of his family’s restaurant portfolio, growing it to include 24 Burger King and 3 Qdoba Mexican Eats locations. In addition, he founded a software development company focused on creating solutions for the restaurant industry. Following the sale of his Burger King holdings and software company, he continues to operate three Qdoba restaurants while leasing his other properties.

Dr. Herridge has remained active in public policy and political advocacy throughout his career. He previously served as Chairman of the Government Relations Committee for the Burger King brand and its associated PAC, where he regularly lobbied in Washington, D.C., on behalf of small business interests. As an engaged voice in political discourse, he is also a published writer, contributing op-eds and letters to outlets such as the Wall Street Journal and various West Virginia publications.