Matthew B. Jennings

HOMETOWN: charleston, south carolina

EDUCATION: Elon University, Economics; George Mason University, Economics  

CAMPAIGNS: Campaign Advisor to Henry Brown (R-SC), Adam Kwasman (R-AZ), and Jesse Kelly (R-AZ) 

CAPITOL HILL: Policy Aide, House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee; Legislative Director, Congressman Henry Brown (R-SC); conference staff on surface transportation and FAA authorization bills

K STREET: Head of Legislative Affairs at the International Air Transport Association; Head of Government & International Affairs for North America at Etihad Airways

WRITING: Profiled in UAE-based The National and Politico; contributor in multiple transportation and foreign affairs publications 

LIFE NOW: Isle of Palms, SC; with his wife, Brittany, and three sons 

ROOTING INTERESTS: Washington Capitals, Commanders, and Nationals, Manchester City, McLaren Racing, and Elon University Phoenix

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 the 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 UAE 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 US as well, including working with potential sustainable fuel and carbon management partners. Over 9 years, Matt provided key corporate strategic and media advice to Etihad’s CEO and C-suite on issues such as alliance partnerships and financial transparency, which resulted 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, cargo issues, and more. Matt led numerous successful coalitions and policy efforts on behalf of IATA, including the unanimous passage of the bipartisan EU ETS Prohibition bill. 

Matt held several positions in the US House of Representatives. He was a Legislative Assistant for the US House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and Legislative Director for Congressman Henry Brown from South Carolina. During this time, Matt worked on a wide array of issues for the 1st District of South Carolina, including major legislation for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), multi-year highway funding, energy, 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, SC with his wife, their 3 sons, and Golden Retriever, Gus.