Matt Schlapp
| Matt Schlapp | |
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| File:Matt Schlapp at CPAC 2015.jpg
Schlapp speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference in 2015.
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| Personal details | |
| Born | Matthew Aaron Schlapp December 18, 1967 Wichita, Kansas, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Mercedes (Mercy) Schlapp |
| Alma mater | University of Notre Dame Wichita State University |
| Website | http://www.conservative.org |
Matthew Aaron "Matt" Schlapp (born 1967) is an American political advocate who is chairman of the American Conservative Union,[1] the oldest conservative lobbying organization in the country. Schlapp also serves as principle at Cove Strategies, a government and public affairs firm based in Alexandria, Virginia. Previously he served as Vice President of Federal Affairs at Koch Companies Public Sector, LLC. He also served as George W. Bush’s deputy assistant and political director.[2]
Early life
Schlapp grew up in Wichita, . He is the son of The Hon. Susan Schlapp. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame and a master's degree in public policy from Wichita State University.[2]
Political career
He began his political career in 1994, working five years as a press secretary, campaign manager and chief of staff for Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-KS). Schlapp joined George W. Bush’s 2000 political campaign, serving as a regional political director with oversight of Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
During his tenure at the White House as George W. Bush’s political director, Schlapp advised the President, the Vice President, members of the cabinet, senior White House staff and had extensive contact with members of Congress and federal agencies.
In 2004 he transitioned to Koch Industries, headquartered in his hometown of Wichita, Kansas. While in his role as Vice President of Federal Affairs at Koch Companies Public Sector, LLC he directed the major federal public policy strategies on environmental and energy policies, financial markets, legal reform, and international and domestic tax issues.
On June 19, 2014 Schlapp was unanimously elected chairman by the board of directors of the American Conservative Union.
Personal life
Schlapp married Mercedes (Mercy) Viana Schlapp, whom he met while working at the White House, where she served as the Director of Specialty Media.[3] Together they co-founded Cove Strategies, , communications and political consulting firm based out of Alexandria, Virginia.
Matt and Mercy have five young daughters[4] and are parishioners of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.
