Partner Profile: Bank of Labor’s Matt Johnson
By PJ DelHomme
When you peek behind the scenes of any Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) event—whether it’s a dinner, a Take Kids Fishing Event, or the USA’s annual fundraising gala in Washington D.C.—you’re likely to find Matt Johnson.
More often than not, he’s in the thick of it, helping the staff move crates, organize gear, or simply B.S.’ing with anyone. For the USA’s staff, Matt Johnson needs no introduction.
In case you didn’t know, Johnson is the First Vice President for the Midwest Region at Bank of Labor. For the USA community, his title takes a back seat to his reputation as a guy who is always willing to roll up his sleeves.
“He’s a fixture at most everything we do,” says Walt Ingram, USA’s CEO and executive director. “Sure, he’s a high-level bank executive, but when he shows up at our events, he’s Matt. And he’s there to work. He never leaves until we do.”
Matt Johnson (second from right) takes a photo at the 2024 USA Conservation Gala.
“I don’t get to see those guys all that often,” Matt says. “Whether it’s setup or teardown, being with the USA is like being with family.”
Matt’s connection to labor dates back to his father, who spent more than 45 years at the Bank of Labor. In 2008, Matt followed in his footsteps and started as a bank teller.
By 2011, as the bank began expanding its reach to serve labor organizations nationwide, Matt moved into a business development role. For nearly 15 years, he has managed the bank’s relationship with the USA, watching the organization grow from its early stages into a force of nature for conservation and community outreach.
Bank of Labor is one of the only majority union-owned and labor-focused banks in the country. In addition to its normal role as a bank (deposits, checking accounts, personal loans), Bank of Labor helps fill a void for the trades. For instance, they provide financing to union training centers as they modernize and update technology to train the next generation of union members. In other cases, they provide loans to union projects when traditional banks decline.
For the USA, the Bank of Labor was a founding partner, and that bond remains to this day.
“Matt is a bridge between Bank of Labor and the USA,” says Chris Piltz, USA’s events manager. “He keeps the relationship real. He’s the first person to invite you to dinner, and he cares a lot about the people, period. He’s very in tune with our staff, even going out of his way to help and encourage new hires.”
Johnson (third from left) with other volunteers at the 2025 Greater Kansas City BCTC Take Kids Fishing Day.
Stories from the Blind
Matt has been the catalyst of more than a few hunting stories—the majority of which we are not allowed to put in writing.
Matt Johnson (left) pheasant hunting
Ingram recalls a turkey hunt in South Dakota and Wyoming, where Matt was looking to finish his “Grand Slam” by bagging a Merriam’s turkey. The trip turned into, as Walt put it, “a comedy of errors” that has been shared around a few campfires.
“We found some birds on private land and got permission from the landowner,” Walt says. “We had camera guys, and they were running us all around. It took forever for the birds to come into range. There was this huge rock in front of us. Matt and I spent half the time arguing back and forth about that rock—who could see what and who had the shot.”
And then there was the time Walt found himself in a field in just his thermal underwear and socks, with Johnson insisting he saw a turkey that turned out to be a buzzard.
“What a great guy,” Matt says of Walt. “He’d give you the shirt off his back, literally.”
Beyond the hunting trips and the jokes, there is a serious commitment to building relationships. Johnson admits that banking isn’t always the most exciting topic of conversation at a sportsman’s dinner, but being present in a leadership role allows union members to see the people behind the institution.
“We’re a bank. No one really likes to talk about banks,” Matt says. “But by being out there at a shoot or a dinner, people know who they’re talking to. The union world is big, but the more relationships you have and the more years you spend in it, the smaller it gets.”
As the USA prepares for its upcoming events, including the Kansas City dinner and the annual Gala, Matt will be there as usual, helping out all while causing a little trouble.
“The folks at the USA have been there for years, and they’re good friends now,” Matt says. “I hang out with them outside of events. They’re customers, sure, but they’re also lifelong friends. It’s one big family, and I could hardly do my job without them.”
