Meet Matt Ellis

Matt has been diligently serving as the Wasco County District Attorney since 2021, after having worked as a criminal defense attorney across Wasco, Hood River, Sherman, Gilliam, and Wheeler Counties for seven years.

Since relocating to the Columbia River Gorge with his wife, Samantha, in 2013, Matt has embraced the local community wholeheartedly. The couple, who initially met in Anchorage, Alaska, during a hike on the Turnagain Arm Trail, quickly fell in love with the stunning landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge after their move to Oregon. Matt is passionate about trail running, skiing, and is a fervent supporter of the Portland Timbers.

Samantha, equally driven, runs her own business, 45th Parallel Geomatics, specializing in land surveying. She shares a love for the outdoors, often spotted on the river with her paddleboard, accompanied by their dog, Yarra. Together, Matt and Samantha have become integral members of their community, balancing their professional commitments with their outdoor interests and love for the Gorge.