Welcome to The Herald Group, Matt!
This spring we welcomed Matt Brafman to The Herald Group, as our newest account manager. It has been a busy few months but we carved out time to see what drew him to the firm, to public affairs, and to Washington, DC. You may have already met him on a call but please take a second and join us in getting to know Matt a little bit better.
What have you already been working on/what are you interested in?
Over the last three months, I have had the chance to work on a diverse range of issues, including legal reform and healthcare. Outside the accounts I currently work on, I’m also joining the business development side of the firm, which is exposing me to additional practice areas and issues. I am specifically excited about expanding our work in U.S. trade policy and the commercial space industry.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a simple Midwesterner, growing up just north of Detroit where I fostered a love of hiking and hockey. I’ve been a lifelong Red Wings fan but am ready to root on any of my beloved Detroit teams. I consider myself a sports aficionado as well so ask me about any team and I’d be happy to talk about their season. Since moving to DC a few years ago, my two dogs and I have taken to hiking the gorgeous trails in the Shenandoah Valley. If you haven’t been to Weverton Cliffs, you absolutely must go.
What excites you the most about working in public affairs?
No two days are the same. Many jobs make that claim but deliver a randomized order of the same administrative tasks. Not in public affairs. It truly is a new adventure every day.
What’s the best thing you’ve watched or read in the past five years?
A Country of Vast Designs – it’s a fantastic book on the Polk presidency. The completion of manifest destiny is under-represented in discussions of America’s past, and this book explores various interesting side stories and “what-ifs.”
What are you excited about at The Herald Group?
Taking the next step in a career requires a good support network, and what I’ve seen from THG is that it is a place where employees are provided the resources needed to foster that growth. Having the chance to work in an environment that encourages innovative risks and personal development were points of emphasis during my job search, and THG undoubtedly hits those marks.
What is your favorite thing about Washington, DC?
The random memorials that nobody asked for. I make a yearly pilgrimage to the James Buchanan memorial in early September. It’s absolutely beautiful – both in its aesthetics and its randomness.