Matt Reinhart Receives Valor Award from Hispanic Chamber

Posted On: May 13, 2026

A career defined by service and integrity has earned Volusia County Council Member Matt Reinhart one of the region's most distinguished honors.

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida recently presented Reinhart, vice chair and District 2 representative on the Volusia County Council, with a prestigious Valor Award – recognizing a 38-year legacy of dedication to Volusia County as a corrections leader and elected official.

"Whether he is advocating for a domestic violence database or serving at The Vine Church, his work proves that true leadership is a lifelong calling to improve the systems and the lives of the people they serve," said Lourdes Leon, the chamber's chief executive officer, who cited Reinhart's decades of impact as the basis for the honor.

From 1986 to 2017, Reinhart rose through the ranks of the Volusia County Branch Jail and Correctional Facility from corrections officer to warden, guiding the institution with a philosophy that balanced strict accountability with genuine human respect. He oversaw hundreds of staff and thousands of inmates and served as past president of the Florida Model Jail Standards Jail Inspection Team – a testament to his standing as a leader among corrections professionals statewide.

Since joining the Volusia County Council in January 2023, Reinhart has channeled that same commitment into policy. As vice chair, he has been a forceful champion of the Second Chance Initiative, a transformative program that equips inmates with real-world vocational skills to reduce recidivism and strengthen the broader community. He also serves the Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board as chair of the Quality Assurance Committee and Grievance Committee.

His service extends well beyond the dais. Reinhart volunteers across a wide range of community boards, including the Domestic Abuse Council, the School Crossing Evaluation Committee, and the Georgetowne Homeowners Association – evidence that his investment in Volusia County is personal, not just professional.