MATTHEW MCKENNA

(Massachusetts)

Subjects: All Subjects

Links:Website

0-5 years

An expert in legislative and regulatory affairs, Matthew is a seasoned government relations professional and strategic communications specialist who puts his expertise to use for a wide variety of sectors.

A U.S. Army veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Matthew has worked to improve benefits for first responders, including enacting new rules to help firefighters who get cancer on the job. He’s also worked to create innovative job training programs for developmentally disabled youth and adults.

Matthew was a key lobbyist for the Marijuana Policy Project to successfully legalize cannabis in Massachusetts and advises new cannabis companies on municipal licensing, compliance, business strategy and community engagement. Additionally, he has advised clients with municipal development projects as a consultant on construction, building trade and general union issues.

Prior to joining Tenax, Matthew worked as director of communications and intergovernmental relations for the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services. In that role, he worked with every state agency and the Massachusetts legislature on veterans’ issues. He also worked on economic development issues, including helping launch a program with the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce to link veterans with employment opportunities and advocating for a veteran-owned business preference for state contracting. Prior to DVS, Matthew spent seven years working for state Senator Steven Tolman as his chief of staff and district director.

A graduate of the University of Connecticut with a degree in political science, Matthew is a 22-year member of the U.S. Army National Guard. He currently serves as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 and a Blackhawk helicopter instructor pilot. He also serves on the boards of Massachusetts Fallen Heroes and Alternative Treatment for Veterans, a nonprofit that advocates for cannabis therapy for vets.

He lives in Braintree with his wife and two children.

Greg has been a force in public affairs and lobbying for the past 18 years, helping execute effective and successful government relations and public policy strategies for Fortune 500 companies, corporations, non-profits, labor organizations and trade associations.

A graduate of Oregon State University, Greg grew up in Natick and is well-known in Massachusetts and Washington, D.C. political circles, as he’s worked with many of Massachusetts’ top elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton and former Lt. Gov. Tim Murray, among others.

Greg served as Chief Operating Officer of one of Boston’s most successful communications and public affairs firms before launching the public affairs division at Tenax in 2016 with his brother Pete.

Greg is an expert at public affairs, especially in highly-regulated industries. He’s worked effectively and successfully at the local, state and federal level, including representing interests in multiple states across the country for global corporations. He’s built coalitions to support strong public policies at every level of government, lobbied lawmakers locally and nationally, and created innovative strategies to overcome regulatory and legislative roadblocks for a variety of businesses and organizations.

His specialties include long- and short-term strategic planning; media and public affairs strategy; message development and discipline; earned media consulting; and managing grassroots, employee, stakeholder and customer communication mobilizations to impact public policy.

Whether it's fighting for free industry, creating protections for health care consumers, waging a local public affairs campaign, engaging elected officials to advance public policy or helping a business cut through legislative or regulatory red tape, Greg has the experience, relationships and knowledge to draft a strategic blueprint to get the job done.

6-10 years

Bio: A proven leader, Peter has extensive experience implementing and executing government relations and public policy strategies for Fortune 500 companies, corporations, non-profits, labor organizations and trade associations, as well as, proven success in all facets of management and oversight of client matters.

A U.S. Army veteran, Peter has unique expertise in helping companies negotiate all levels of municipal government as they seek approval of local projects. He regularly represents clients in front of boards of selectmen, city councils, planning boards, health departments, zoning boards and other state and local agencies and works to achieve successful outcomes for both his clients and the municipalities.

Well versed in the regulatory needs of emerging markets, Peter has further developed a reputation as one of the leading strategists in the exploding cannabis industry. He is skilled at illustrating for communities the many benefits of the industry, including job creation, economic development and the creation of new tax revenue. He is also an expert at helping locate appropriate sites and assisting firms through the permitting process, including negotiating fair host community agreements.

Peter grew up in Natick and served for 11 years in the United States Army as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 and a Blackhawk helicopter instructor pilot. He traveled extensively while serving and focused on program and training development for U.S. and allied personnel. He represented the United States for government aviation operations with several nations, including Mexico, England, Germany, Turkey, Poland, South Korea, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq.

He lives in Brookline, NH with his wife and two children.

Victoria joined the firm in 2018 after several years working in politics, including as Deputy Campaign Manager for U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton.

A graduate of Suffolk University where she double majored in Government and Philosophy, Victoria is a key part of our public affairs and legislative teams. She is a hands-on strategist who works directly with clients whether organizing "Days of Action" on Beacon Hill, leading grassroots efforts or building relationships for clients through grasstops connections.

A political fundraiser and campaign advisor for Moulton and other state and local candidates, she has also worked regularly with the Massachusetts Democratic Party. Prior to her political work, Victoria worked at Scholars Strategy Network and the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency in the 40B department.

Victoria is a guest lecturer at Suffolk University and serves on the fundraising committee for Emerge Massachusetts, a nonprofit that provides training and resources for female political candidates. She was Suffolk’s student commencement speaker and has been featured in the Boston Globe. Victoria has also been a volunteer for More Than Words, a literacy program for underserved and homeless children.

A native of North Andover, she currently lives in Arlington.

GREGORY D'AGOSTINO

(Massachusetts)
  • 617-388-6477

  • 100 Franklin Street, Suite 404,Suite 404BostonMA02110