Matthew Felling
Meet Matthew Felling, a committed Communications Director for Sen. Angus King. A journalist by trade, Matthew has seen the media from all angles – he was a writer for CBS News and a news anchor for KTVA-CBS in Anchorage, AK, just to name a few.
In 2011, Matthew moved to the Hill when Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s team reached out. “Seeing how she won her write-in race as a pragmatic problem-solver, it was an invite most journalists would accept,” Matthew says. Now, Matthew has nearly a decade's worth of experience as a Comms Director.
Matthew observes the common link throughout his wide-ranging career is “the ability to blow the fog away – whether it’s jargon or a news cycle or misinformation – and explain an issue in concrete, tangible terms that break through the clutter.”
Not to mention– It’s Matthew’s birthday week! He celebrated his birthday on Tuesday, the 25th, so be sure to wish him a happy belated! Keep reading to get to know more about Matthew ⬇️
Want to meet a Comms Director who spent three years as a news anchor in Alaska?
Oh, you should talk to Matthew Felling!
Communications Director
Sen. Angus King
CHAMPAGNE CHIC: A Masterclass and Reception
Get ready to sip and socialize in style at Champagne Chic, happening on July 25, at the Distilled Spirits Council's private bar.
Our sommelier will guide you through a masterclass tasting of Dom Perignon and La Grande Dame with free-flowing champagne, complimentary spirits, and food also available.
Also included with all ticket purchases, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label to take home ($60 value). Reserve your spot here!
His Backstory
🏠 Hometown: Annandale, Virginia
🎓 College: Boston University (Journalism), Georgetown University (Master’s in Cyberjournalism)
💭Favorite Hill Memory: “The best part of this job is when you have a policy answer that meets the moment and makes a difference … I’ve been exceedingly fortunate to have a few of those opportunities where the planets line up. Most recently: broadband.”
Beware the “For You” page!
When asked about what one thing Matthew wants people to know about him, he said:
“I try to learn something new everyday - and that gets more and more difficult in the age of algorithms. Algorithms can quickly turn into ruts, whether in terms of subject matter or things you’re aware of. Case in point: if I open a newspaper, I’ll accidentally learn something about the world as I flip the pages from A1 to A8. If I’m on Twitter in the “For You” setting, I will only see things about Congress, the Nationals, or movies - and the walls of the world close in quickly.”
🔗 CNCT with Matthew about…
His early-bird morning routine ☀️
His time as a news writer, radio host, and public speaker
Where to get a great lobster roll 🦞
Kayaking spots around the DMV
Matthew’s takeaways from the Private Sector
When asked about his favorite memory from working in the Private Sector, Matthew said:
“Being given the opportunity to map out a communications strategy from idea to execution and see it through, over the course of weeks or months. On Capitol Hill, there tends to be a tighter window for communications work – explain a bill, explain a vote. But whether it was a nationwide public affairs campaign or a time-sensitive communications plan, those were enjoyable intellectual exercises.”
If you’re curious about Matthew’s opinion on the main difference between the Private Sector and the Hill, look no further. He says:
“So. Much. Powerpoint. Too. Much. Powerpoint. I know it’s a useful tool for many in the private sector, but my journalist/communicator brain doesn’t work that way.”
❤️ Matthew’s Favorites
Coffee Spot: “Bluestone Lane. Flat white. Try it and thank me later…”
Bar: “The best beer garden in D.C.: Nats Park”
Happy Hour: “Is that the evening window when I’m still at work?”
Lunch Spot: “The Roost down Pennsylvania Avenue”
TV Show: Mr. Robot, Leftovers, or Atlanta
Movie: From the 20th century, City Lights. From the 21st, There Will be Blood.
Matthew’s Morning Routine
Back in 2007, Matthew pitched in as a temporary co-host for “Morning Joe,” which taught him “the value of early rising.” With that said, Matthew has a pretty serious morning routine. Read about it here:
“Up early at 5 a.m. to get my early workout in with the news on to set the tone for the day. Not only does a dawn-ish workout keep you sane (at a time you’ll know you can fit it in), but it’s also a chance to fire up your synapses in the morning and map out your priorities for the day ahead. Sometimes the biggest hurdle or task you’re stuck on at the office can be thought through or remedied by an exhaustion epiphany.”
📚 Matthew’s Book Recommendations
Too Soon Old; Too Late Smart by Gordon Livingston
Advice and Consent by Allen Drury
The Nix by Nathan Hill
Do you know someone on the Hill who should be our Staffer Spotlight for a week? Send us an email and let us hear their story!
Staffer Advice
When it comes to making the most of your workplace potential, Matthew says:
“You have to manage in three dimensions to max out your effectiveness and potential.
Manage below you: Empower your team and give them purpose.
Manage beside you: Keep your peers and colleagues looped into your work and efforts – not only may they have valuable perspectives to add, but they’ll understand your work flow better.
Manage up: Provide the best, honest guidance or opinions you can – when invited – and be prepared to support it with facts and information.”
“It’s fantastic to be driven and focused on your professional ascent – but never lose your humanity. You can be a solid, ambitious Staffer and a good person at the same time. Be less transactional and more considerate… If you do that, you’ll accomplish your goals and make and keep friends as you do. Because many of the people you work with now, you’ll come across in the future - build bridges, don’t burn them.”