Peter Gordon, Director of Federal Affairs, Americans for the Arts

Peter joined Americans for the Arts in January 2019. Prior to joining Americans for the Arts, Peter served as the Associate Director of Government Relations for the Council on Foundations, where he focused on tax policy and advocated on behalf of foundations on Capitol Hill. Before joining the Council, he was a Government Relations Specialist for the National Association of College Stores in Washington, DC. Previously, Peter worked on Capitol Hill in both the Senate, as a Staff Assistant for former Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL), and the House, as a Legislative Assistant for Rep. Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA).

Peter grew up in Massachusetts and holds a Master of Public Policy degree from Georgetown University and a BA in History and Political Science from Williams College. During college, he worked at the ’62 Center for Theater and Dance, where he developed a deep appreciation for the arts. Peter loves to visit museums and attend theater performances. He lives in DC with his wife, Corey, their daughter, Alex, and their son, Taylor.

Matthew J. Irish, Vice Chairman, O'Neill and Associates

Matthew C. Irish is vice chairman of O’Neill and Associates’ and manager of the firm’s government relations practice. Drawing upon his close to 25 years of experience with the Massachusetts state legislature and on numerous political campaigns, Matt develops and implements public affairs strategies that help clients reach their goals on the municipal and state levels.

Matt provides advice and counsel related to the strategic growth of the company and large-scale business development initiatives.

His clients have included Pepsi, Apple, The Boston Foundation, Safelite Autoglass, Cape Cod Commercial Fisherman’s Alliance, Abiomed, Utility Workers of America Local 369, Tufts Health Plan, Everytown for Gun Safety, Boston Scientific, the American Resort Development Association, the Massachusetts Lodging Association, General Motors, William Hill, Total Wine & More, and Alkermes Pharmaceuticals.

Prior to joining O’Neill and Associates, Matt served as Chief of Staff for Massachusetts State Senator Steven Tolman. In this role, he oversaw and directed all legislative, budgetary, personnel and administrative issues and acted as the media spokesman. Before becoming Chief of Staff, Matt served as Senator Tolman’s Senior Legislative Aide and Staff Director. He began his career as a Press Assistant to then-U.S. Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle.

Matt graduated from UMass Amherst with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He spent his junior year studying abroad at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. He holds two graduate degrees: a master’s degree in modern Irish history from Boston College, as well as a master’s degree in public affairs from the John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies at UMass Boston. Matt is a native and resident of Worcester, MA and a graduate of Saint John’s High School of Shrewsbury. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the National Association of State Lobbyists (NASL) and as the Vice President of the Board of Trustees of the Worcester Public Library Foundation.