Matthew Jennings
Matthew has 20 years of experience in the US government and in association and corporate global advocacy. With an extensive network of elected and career government officials, industry executives, and diplomats in Washington and abroad, he is well positioned to help companies navigate the complex impact of politics on their operation, employees, and bottom line. Throughout his career, Matthew has helped train and mentor colleagues, peers, and staff all over the world into successful advocates.
Matthew was most recently the Head of International & Government Affairs for Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways in the US and in Canada. In this role, he worked closely with stakeholders in the federal and state governments and industry on key issues for the airline. He also worked closely with the diplomatic corps for the UAE and other nations. Matthew helped Etihad successfully navigate a $50 million anti-Gulf Carrier lobbying campaign, numerous regulatory, legislative, and political issues, and Covid-19. 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, Matthew 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, Matthew was the Head of Legislative Affairs for the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on issues including safety, security, the environment, passenger rights, cargo issues, and more. Matthew led several successful legislative efforts on behalf of IATA, including the unanimous passage of the bipartisan EU ETS Prohibition bill.
Matthew also held several positions in the US Congress. He was a Legislative Assistant for the US House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and the Legislative Director for Congressman Henry Brown from South Carolina. During this time, Matthew worked on a wide latitude of issues, including major legislation for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), highway funding, energy, veterans affairs, appropriations, and natural resources.
Matthew 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 boards of the South Carolina Business Council, the International Aviation Club, and the World Class Scholars Foundation.
