Matthew “Matt” Jennings has more than 20 years of experience in government service and government relations, and is known in Washington as a straight-shooting, knowledgeable, and trustworthy advocate. He brings key expertise to the table on a wealth of issues impacting businesses and non-profits, especially when working closely with C-suite executives to reconcile commercial targets and the impact of politics and regulation on their businesses. Matt maintains close ties with a broad bipartisan network on Capitol Hill and in the Trump Administration with a proven track record of success in advocating for positive policy outcomes.

Matt was previously Head of International & Government Affairs for Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways in the US and Canada. In this role, he worked closely with stakeholders in the federal, state, and local governments and in industry on key issues for the airline. He also worked closely with the diplomatic corps for the United Arab Emirates and other nations. Matt helped Etihad successfully navigate numerous high-impact regulatory, legislative, and political issues. He managed Etihad’s outreach on sustainability in the U.S. as well, including working with potential sustainable fuel and carbon management partners. Over nine years, Matt provided key corporate strategic and media advice to Etihad executives on issues such as alliance partnerships and financial transparency, resulting in significant revenue and cost-saving impacts for the company.

Before Etihad, Matt was the head of legislative affairs for the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on issues including safety, airports, security, the environment, passenger rights, and cargo issues. He led numerous successful coalitions and policy efforts on behalf of IATA, including the unanimous passage of the bipartisan EU ETS Prohibition bill.

Matt was a legislative assistant for the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and legislative director for Congressman Henry Brown (R-SC). The wide latitude of issues Matt covered during this time included major legislation for the Federal Aviation Administration, multi-year highway funding, energy policy, veterans’ affairs, appropriations, and natural resources.

Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Elon University in North Carolina and a master’s degree in economics from George Mason University in Virginia. He is a director on the board of the South Carolina Business Council and is a founding board member and treasurer of the World Class Scholars Foundation.

Matt lives in Isle of Palms, South Carolina with his wife, their three sons, and their golden retriever, Gus.