Eliot J Schechter

Matthew Caldwell’s career has taken him across the world, from Iraq and Kosovo to Wall Street.

So, after being named president and CEO of the Florida Panthers in April 2016, perhaps it is apt that a book about the culture of a Spanish soccer club helped guide him.

“During the [2016] offseason, we had the opportunity to hit the pause button, and define what our culture would be,” Caldwell said, who served five years in the U.S. Army before pivoting into the world of finance. “I read this book called ‘The Real Madrid Way,’ which talks about the soccer club and attributes their commitment to the community as to what has built their brand.”

Under Caldwell’s guidance, the Panthers have shown a level of commitment to community initiatives and outreach throughout South Florida unprecedented in the team’s 25-year history. Efforts have ranged from launching a community champions grant program and committing more than $5 million to local not-for-profits in South Florida, to supporting hockey programs throughout the region with participation from more than 1,000 children.

The team was further spurred into action following Hurricane Irma last September, with Caldwell assisting to open the doors of the BB&T Center to local organizations who were preparing for the storm, as well as personally handing out food to thousands of residents who were affected. He also engaged the team’s corporate partners to serve 20,000 warm meals on the arena grounds free of charge to those who had lost power and refrigeration.

The Panthers rushed to aid the community in February after the deadly mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, holding a blood drive before a home game and collecting money for the victims fund. The team is wearing helmet stickers and jersey patches to honor the victims for the remainder of the season.

“In these times of crises, it’s not about hockey — it’s about our duty as part of this community,” Caldwell said.

 — Ian Thomas