The Director of External Affairs will be a senior level position at the Chamber and will provide leadership for public policy-related activities of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. In this position, Matson will be responsible for developing strategies and tactics, working closely with internal and external organizations, policy makers, government departments and other Chamber stakeholders.
In addition, Matson will work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, committees, and members to develop key communication messaging on Chamber and business issues.
“We’re thrilled to have an individual with Mike’s ability and experience join the team,” said Jason Smith, President/CEO of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. “Mike brings a career’s worth of management and creative experience and will hit the ground running.”
“Decisions made by public policymakers at every level of government impact the bottom-line decisions facing Chamber members,” Matson said. “I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to help the Chamber expand its capacity to serve its members in this vital area.”
Matson’s career has encompassed communications and policy advocacy, serving in senior management positions in public and private sector statewide systems, including Kansas Farm Bureau, the Kansas Leadership Center and as communications director/press secretary to Gov. Bill Graves. Most recently, Matson served as executive director of a digital journalism startup with presences in Kansas City and Wichita.
Matson and his wife, Jackie McClaskey, live in Manhattan with their two Australian Shepherds.