Matt Smith
Communications Director
Rep. Julia Letlow
Want to meet a staffer who's rafted the same West Virginia river 8 out of the last 9 years?
Oh, you should talk to Matt Smith!
Matt, a Shelbyville, Kentucky native, studied Journalism and Political Science at the University of Kentucky, but never expected his career would take him to Washington. After graduating, he spent several years in Kentucky politics, convinced that’s where he’d stay.
Then a friend offered him a Hill job he couldn’t say no to.
Like so many young professionals who find themselves in D.C., Matt figured he'd spend a few years here before heading back home— that was six years ago.
Since then, he's stayed through a pandemic, gotten married, and built a career he never expected. As Matt puts it, he thought he had a plan—but God had other ones.
His Hill career began as a press intern for Senator Mitch McConnell before he became Communications Director for Congressman James Comer, whom he'd previously worked with on campaigns back in Kentucky. Matt still credits Congressman Comer and then-Chief of Staff Caroline Cash for taking a chance on an eager 23-year-old and giving him his start in Washington.
Today, Matt serves as Communications Director for Congresswoman Julia Letlow. One of the things he admires most about working for the Congresswoman is her faith and the way she has persevered through adversity while answering what she describes as God's call on her life. He also appreciates her commitment to keeping constituents informed about what's happening in Washington—work he gets to help lead every day.
His Backstory
🏠 Hometown: Shelbyville, KY
🎓 Colleges & Majors: University of Kentucky (Journalism & Political Science)
💭 Favorite Hill Memory: The friendships! Matt says some of his favorite memories are the conversations and relationships that naturally come from working in the close-knit environment of a House office.
🔗 CNCT with Matt about…
🌊 Whitewater rafting: He's rafted West Virginia's Gauley River 8 of the last 9 years.
🤝 Real networking: How to build relationships, not amass LinkedIn connections.
🍗 Kentucky fried chicken: He's got plenty of recommendations.
💁♀️ Perfecting girl dinner: Matt knows how to make do with whatever is in his fridge
On Faith & Work
Faith has shaped nearly every chapter of Matt's career—from the unexpected path that brought him to Washington to the way he approaches his work today.
He often comes back to Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord and not for men."
It's a verse that's become something of a personal mission statement.
It's also reflected in his travel bucket list. While plenty of national parks remain on it (Acadia is currently his favorite), Matt is especially looking forward to one day visiting Israel and retracing the places Jesus walked, along with the journeys of the Apostle Paul through modern-day Greece and Turkey.
❤️ Matt’s Favorites
Coffee Spot: Longworth Dunkin’ (RIP🪦)
Lunch Spot: Chipotle
TV Show: Parks and Recreation
Movie: Hoosiers
Matt's Capitol Corner
🌮 Cafeteria Order: Tuesday Taco Bar
📝 Best Out-of-Office Workplace: His back patio
👔 Hill Closet, Sponsored by: Kohl’s
☕ Hill Holy Grail: Coffee!
🌳 Hidden Gem: Roosevelt Island
Advice for New Staffers
"Learn everything you can about how a Congressional office works, whether it directly pertains to your role or not. Building a broad understanding of policy, procedure, communications, and operations will make you a more valuable staffer."
Matt also believes preparation is one of the biggest differentiators.
"Some people can just show up and excel, but doing the background research and preparation makes you a more informed staffer and better positioned to make an impact."
When the workday ends, you probably find Matt relaxing on the back patio with his wife, Ashley—his favorite way to unwind after a long day and, by his own account, the best "office" he's ever worked from.
So if you're looking for a staffer who will gladly debate condiments (he'll tell you 90% of them are “gross”), swap Kentucky fried chicken recommendations, or spend an hour talking about Gauley River rapids, reach out to Matt.
📚 Matt’s Reading List
One at a Time by Kyle Idleman
Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Adopted for Life by Russell Moore
Staffer Advice…
"Take the time to ask people questions and get to know them on a personal level. It makes work more enjoyable, and reduces frustrations when you have professional disagreements."
— Matt Smith