Sonoma State University alumnus Matt Chisholm ’02 is one of the San Francisco Giants’ longest-serving veterans — and now the proud owner of a top MLB honor recognizing excellence outside the field of play.
Chisholm, the Giants’ Vice President of Media Relations, oversees baseball communications, day-to-day baseball information, media relations, broadcasting services, and Hispanic outreach and communications for the team. His work ethic and success in those areas earned him one of Major League Baseball’s top honors — the 2025 Robert O. Fishel Award for Public Relations Excellence — on December 8 during the MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida.
The Fishel Award, named after the longtime baseball executive, goes to the “active, non-uniformed representative of Major League Baseball whose ethics, character, dedication, service, professionalism and humanitarianism best represent the standards propounded by Robert O. Fishel.” An executive with the Cleveland Indians, the St. Louis Browns, the New York Yankees and the American League Office, Fishel was the inaugural winner of the Award in 1981.
“’I’m truly honored and humbled to receive such a prestigious award from my colleagues in MLB,” Chisholm said.
Fishel Award nominees are submitted by the 30 Major League Clubs and league officials. The nominees are voted upon by active past winners and MLB officials.
Chisholm, who got his professional start in SSU’s Sports Information Department a year after graduating, also worked for the Sonoma County Crushers before interning with the Giants in 2004, then worked in the Colorado Rockies’ media relations department from 2005-08 before rejoining San Francisco, recently completing his 18th season with the club.
Originally from Petaluma, Chisholm now lives in Novato with his wife, Liz, and their children Luke and Charlotte.
Chisholm said his journey at Sonoma State, as both student and employee, gave him a solid foundation and the confidence to follow his career path. “As a student, I benefited from close relationships with professors (particularly in the Communications departments), hands-on learning experiences, and a campus culture that fostered curiosity, leadership, and collaboration.” After graduating, he moved into sports information, which “allowed me to apply those lessons in real time – balancing responsibility, communication, and professionalism while learning how the athletic department operated from within. That combination of academic support and experience helped me discover my passion, build connections, and prepare me for a career in professional sports communications.”
Chisholm said Sonoma State’s environment also was conducive to the learning and training that shaped his career path. “The smaller class sizes and accessible faculty created an atmosphere where discussion, critical thinking, and real-world application were emphasized. … It offered a close-knit campus community and strong academic programs. Professors were engaged, students were collaborative, and there was a great sense of community. I was drawn to the opportunity for hands-on learning and leadership experiences that allowed me to grow professionally.”
Chisholm encouraged prospective college students, particularly those who value a more personal educational experience, to keep SSU in mind.
“Sonoma State gave me the chance to grow at my own pace while still being challenged. The relationships I built with professors, classmates, and colleagues on campus shaped my confidence and helped turn my interests into a clear professional path. It’s a place where you’re encouraged to ask questions, take chances, and grow – academically, professionally, and personally.”
