Chatham Resident, Shark Tank Judge Wins Medal Of Honor

CHATHAM, NJ - RSE Ventures Co-founder and CEO, Miami Dolphins Vice Chairman and Shark Tank Guest Shark Matt Higgins has been selected as an Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipient.

Higgins, whose ancestors immigrated to America from Ireland, was selected for his professional achievements – including the work he did during and after 9/11 to help rebuild New York City, his integrity, and his passion for supporting causes that include autism awareness through Autism Speaks, officials said.

"Any success I can achieve gives me credibility to speak to young people who might be struggling that this chapter is not going to define your life unless you let it," Higgins told the Associated Press.

The Ellis Island Medal of Honor recognizes individuals who have made it their mission to share with those less fortunate their wealth of knowledge, courage, compassion, unique talents and selfless generosity. This annual medal is awarded to 100 Americans whose accomplishments in their field and inspired service to our nation are worthy of commendation.

The US Senate and House of Representatives have officially recognized the Ellis Island Medals of Honor, and each year the recipients are listed in the Congressional Record. Higgins joins the ranks of past medalists that include seven U.S. presidents, Gen. Colin Powell, Barbara Walters, Sandra Day O’Connor, Condoleezza Rice, Hillary Clinton, Nobel Prize laureate Elie Wiesel, Muhammad Ali, Indra Nooyi, Frank Sinatra, Gloria Estefan and Rosa Parks.

According to officials, each 2019 medalist has shown conviction and passion in ensuring that our nation’s diversity is embraced. This year’s honorees include:

• IBM CEO Ginni Rometty
• The Coca-Cola Company Chairman Muhtar Kent
• Mastercard President and CEO Ajay Banga
• Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt
• Dr. Sanjay Gupta
• Recording artist Paula Abdul
• Executive Director of the U.N. World Food Programme David Beasley
• Grammy and Academy-award winning composer Tan Dun

“To be a success in America, you must be daring, bold and determined. Those qualities describe the immigrants who risk everything for the chance to come here to follow their dreams. America is the land of opportunity, and no one should let that opportunity pass them by.” said Nasser J. Kazeminy, Chairman of EIHS. “Many of our Medalists have a special familial relationship with Ellis Island. Others arrived more recently, in more modern ways. But they all recognize the symbolism of this hallowed ground. It is the birthplace of the American Dream.”

According to his bio, Higgins was appointed the youngest press secretary in NYC history at 26, managing the global media response during the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. He then became Chief Operating Officer of the new agency charged with getting NYC back on its feet. The revitalized site is home to the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, the 1,776-foot-tall Freedom Tower, symbolizing the resilience of the American spirit, while the footprints of the original Twin Towers are preserved for time immemorial as a tribute to those we lost.

In 2012, Higgins launched a new chapter as an entrepreneur by co-founding RSE Ventures. The hybrid investment firm has built and backed leading brands in sports and entertainment, food, marketing, and technology. RSE portfolio brands have appeared on Fast Company's list of Most Innovative Companies, including RESY and the Drone Racing League. RSE also incubated the International Champions Cup, the world’s largest privately owned soccer tournament. Within the NFL, Higgins serves as Vice Chairman of the Miami Dolphins. Higgins’ reputation as a self-made serial entrepreneur earned him a spot as a Shark investor on the Emmy award-winning TV show Shark Tank.

Higgins is passionate about human rights and serves on the board of Autism Speaks, advocating for scientific research and greater acceptance of neurodiversity.

Honorees received their medals on May 11 in a special ceremony at Ellis Island. To see the full list of recipients, visit: www.EIHonors.org.

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