About Matt

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Matt Lehrich is a communications and public affairs strategist who specializes in helping organizations and executives tell their story, explain their work, and manage their reputation. He has been a trusted advisor to cabinet secretaries, senior White House officials, C-suite executives, and non-profit leaders.

Until January 2017, Matt led the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Communications and Outreach, where he managed a team of more than 100 public affairs professionals and was responsible for all communications and outreach ranging from media relations, speechwriting, and digital strategy to public engagement and intergovernmental affairs. Matt’s time at the helm of the Department's communications and outreach efforts saw the successful confirmation of a new Secretary of Education and implementation of the landmark Every Student Succeeds Act - the first reauthorization of the nation’s preeminent federal K-12 education law in more than a decade.

Matt joined the Department of Education after serving as Vice President of Global Reputation Management and Crisis Communications at global public relations leader Porter Novelli. There, he crafted and led proactive reputation management campaigns – including one that went on to win the Public Relations Society of America’s Silver Anvil award – and provided crisis communications training and counsel to Fortune 500 companies, global philanthropic organizations, and leading industry associations.

Prior to his work at Porter Novelli, Matt held multiple positions in former President Barack Obama’s White House and, before that, on his 2008 Presidential campaign. Among his roles in the White House, Matt was Assistant White House Press Secretary, serving as a spokesman and managing communications on a wide range of domestic policy issues including education, justice, labor, energy and environmental issues, science, and technology.

Born and raised in Arlington, MA, Matt is a graduate of Boston University, an unabashed Boston sports fan, and an avid recreational basketball player.