Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Matthew Smego

Grand Ledge,MI

Summary

Senior-level executive with over 25 years of experience in government relations and association management. Demonstrated leadership abilities in public policy, specializing in appropriations and a wide range of policies such as agricultural, environmental, land use, energy, transportation, and higher education. Proven track record as an award-winning association lobbyist and highly respected advocate. Successfully navigated complex legislative landscapes and effectively represented the interests of diverse organizations.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Director, Public Policy & Commodity Division

Michigan Farm Bureau
11.2019 - Current
  • Provide guidance and direction for all company plans to implement state and national legislative and regulatory strategies
  • Oversee 17 staff to assist members with the development and advocacy of state and federal policy initiatives
  • Manage a $3 million annual budget to implement programs and staffing
  • Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Serve as secretary of the association state and federal PAC and Super PAC and assist in the coordination of election engagement with a 96% success rate of electing endorsed candidates
  • Responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with key partners and business interests to advance our policy initiatives
  • Implemented grass roots engagement processes and have grown user participation by 20% each year. During the pandemic, had a single issue response of over 53,000 contacts to state legislators and the Governor. It ranked third nationally for all users for our advocacy platform.

Interim Administrator

Michigan Farm Bureau
01.2024 - 07.2024
  • Responsible for carrying out the day-to-day operations based upon the goals of the board of directors
  • Developed and managed a $15 million budget and P&L and and oversight of the 100+ staff for Michigan Farm Bureau and three affiliate companies
  • Led four executive management team members and two company managers, and an executive assistant
  • Led company staff meetings and provided direction on management training and reporting of company results
  • Provided direction to staff that led to a fourth consecutive year of membership growth
  • Collaborated company directives and policies with the CEO of Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan, President, Secretary and Treasurer

Manager, Government Relations

Michigan Farm Bureau
10.2013 - 11.2019
  • Advised and led a team of five staff to implement the organization's state legislative and regulatory plans
  • Led numerous legislative victories including enactment of the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) to enhance voluntary agricultural stewardship; adoption of the Great Lakes Compact and development of Michigan's water use statute to protect the Great Lakes; Agricultural low interest loan support to assist farmers during natural disasters; and secured appropriations of over $ 100 million in funding for agricultural research at Michigan State University

Legislative Counsel

Michigan Farm Bureau
01.2006 - 10.2013
  • Served as the organization lead on environmental, transportation, and energy policies
  • Provided bill analysis, member communication updates, direct lobbying of state legislative and executive branch officials, and provided verbal and written testimony on behalf of the organization.
  • Monitored pending legislation for potential impact on current policies, keeping lawmakers updated on relevant developments.
  • Managed the process of bill amendments, maintaining accuracy and clarity for easy comprehension by all parties involved.
  • Prepared accurate summaries of enacted legislation for dissemination to relevant agencies and interested parties.
  • Contributed to the establishment of bipartisan consensus by mediating negotiations between opposing parties over contentious policy issues.
  • Conducted comparative analyses of existing laws within other jurisdictions to inform proposed policy changes.
  • Authored various legislative documents, contributing to well-crafted policy proposals.
  • Coordinated public hearings to gather input from citizens and experts alike, prioritizing transparency in policymaking processes.

Agricultural Ecology Specialist

Michigan Farm Bureau
08.2005 - 01.2006
  • Served as the program and communication specialist for the organization in developing and promoting voluntary conservation programs and the state's premier proactive and voluntary environmental stewardship program
  • Coordinated with local, state, and federal agency partners, along with agricultural commodity groups to promote the program to encourage farmer adoption.

Manager, Youg Farmer Department

Michigan Farm Bureau
05.2000 - 08.2005
  • Led efforts of the organization in developing all leadership programming for 5,000 members between the ages of 18-35
  • Successfully launched a collaborative partnership with GreenStone Farm Credit Services that added $30k value towards the program annually
  • Worked closely with 22-member state young farmer committee and its leadership to develop goals, annual business plans, and budgets

Thumb Regional Representative

Michigan Farm Bureau
01.1999 - 05.2000
  • Served as the liaison between Michigan Farm Bureau and five county Farm Bureau organizations in the Thumb area
  • Responsible for program implementation, working with all five county Farm Bureau board of directors and assisting with leadership development, goal setting, annual budgeting, employee performance evaluations, and program planning and implementation.
  • Delivered exceptional customer experiences.
  • Streamlined internal processes to improve overall efficiency and reduce operational costs.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions for complex client issues.
  • Drove process improvements and increased efficiency.
  • Spearheaded regional initiatives that enhanced brand reputation and fostered loyalty among customers.
  • Presented regular progress reports to executive leadership, demonstrating success in achieving key performance metrics.
  • Set up appointments with potential and current customers to promote new products and services.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Agriscience

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
12.1998

Skills

  • Strategic Planning
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Volunteer Management
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Operations Management
  • Project Management
  • Organizational Development
  • Budget Management
  • Business Planning
  • Issues Resolution
  • Negotiation
  • Financial Reporting

Accomplishments

  • Voted one of the Top Five Association Lobbyists in the State of Michigan - EPI/MRA Insider Survey - 2011/2019
  • Governor Appointed Member - State of Michigan Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Council
  • Agency Director Appointed Member - Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Business Roundtable
  • Past Board Member - Michigan Sustainable Energy Coalition
  • Past President - Michigan State University College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Alumni Association Board of Directors

Timeline

Interim Administrator

Michigan Farm Bureau
01.2024 - 07.2024

Director, Public Policy & Commodity Division

Michigan Farm Bureau
11.2019 - Current

Manager, Government Relations

Michigan Farm Bureau
10.2013 - 11.2019

Legislative Counsel

Michigan Farm Bureau
01.2006 - 10.2013

Agricultural Ecology Specialist

Michigan Farm Bureau
08.2005 - 01.2006

Manager, Youg Farmer Department

Michigan Farm Bureau
05.2000 - 08.2005

Thumb Regional Representative

Michigan Farm Bureau
01.1999 - 05.2000

Bachelor of Science - Agriscience

Michigan State University

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Matthew Smego