Senior Partner, Washington, DC
202-772-6956 \ [email protected]
Chris Matthews develops strategies for clients who want to move public opinion and influence public policy. A longtime veteran of both the House and Senate, he understands what motivates policymakers and consumers, and he uses his personal experience and know-how to find the most effective methods to affect their decisions.
Prior to joining VOX, he served as director of communications for Senator Gordon H. Smith, then a leading member of key Senate committees including Energy and Natural Resources; Commerce, Science and Transportation; and Finance. As Senator Smith’s chief spokesman and media strategist, Chris developed a knack for translating complex policy issues into compelling messages that won support among the general public and within Congress.
Chris also served as communications director and press secretary for the House Agriculture Committee and its chairmen, Robert F. Smith (Oregon) and Larry Combest (Texas). On the committee, he provided strategic communications insight to shape public policies as varied as international trade, food regulation and derivatives laws.
Chris got his political start as press secretary and legislative assistant for U.S. Representative Wes Cooley during the historic 104th Congress. He was responsible for generating media coverage, writing speeches, issuing news releases, writing opinion editorials and drafting public statements. There, he developed and implemented press strategies that strengthened public support for Rep. Cooley’s legislative endeavors while building and maintaining long-term, positive relationships with members of the media.
Chris began his career as a lobbying assistant for Bergner, Bockorny, Clough and Brain, where he supported government relations efforts on behalf of Fortune 500 clients in diverse industries, including telecommunications, health care and entertainment. He graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Government and Foreign Affairs.
