Federal and State Relations

Federal and State Relations works to strengthen relationships with state elected officials, the Governor’s Office, State Agencies, and Business and Community Leaders (boards and commissions).

The team is dedicated to strengthening relationships with lawmakers while advocating for the advancement of the university charter and legislative agenda.

Furthermore, we strive to inform policymakers on issues that are of importance to the university and affiliates to assist in meeting the critical needs of the state of Arizona.

Go Devils!

Matthew Simon

Associate Vice President, Federal & State Relations

Matthew Simon serves as Associate Vice President for Federal and State Relations in the Office of Government and Community Engagement. In this role, Simon oversees all relations and interactions with elected officials and policymakers at the federal and state levels. Simon also manages the execution of the university’s public policy agenda, provides strategic guidance on political trends and issues that impact the university and higher education, and oversees public engagement with organizations, non-profits and other community partners.

Matthew brings a diverse set of experiences from not only his time within the classroom as a high school teacher, but also in state and federal government. Prior to joining Arizona State University, Matthew was Vice President at an Arizona based K-12 education policy advocacy organization where he led the political and policy agenda of the organization. Having worked in both the Arizona State Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, he brings a unique perspective to the inner workings of the legislative process. Matthew served as a Policy Advisory to the Senate Majority, where he advised legislators on K-12 and higher education policy. Matthew’s professional experience also includes serving as U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko’s Chief of Staff.

He is a proud Teach for America Alumni having served as a 2011 Mississippi Delta Corps Member. A native of Tucson, Arizona and a proud product of Arizona’s public education system, Matthew received both his B.S. in Political Science and his Master of Public Administration from Arizona State University.