Matthew Ralston

Matt is a senior state affairs strategist who helps clients achieve durable policy outcomes and navigate complex procurement processes in Georgia. A north Georgia native with more than a decade of experience at the state and local levels, Matt drives bipartisan legislative solutions and guides vendors through government purchasing, with a focus on public safety, education, and economic development.

Representative Matters
• Helped pass a rural small business lending program that has invested more than $100 million across rural communities in the state.
• Assisted in expanding multiple school‑choice programs statewide.
• Led efforts to increase the minimum compensation for county constitutional officers in Georgia.
• Advanced the activation of Medicaid billing codes in Georgia to cover behavioral health screening during primary care visits.
• Advises and advocates for clients in the public safety sector on legislative and procurement matters.
• Assisted a client in securing a state contract enabling statewide online processing of low‑THC registry cards.

Professional and Community Involvement
• University of Georgia School of Public and International Affairs Alumni Board, sustainer member (former chairman)
• Women’s Public Leadership Network, Board of Directors

Education
• University of Georgia, M.P.A., 2014
• University of Georgia, B.A., 2012

Rankings and Recognition
• "Top 100 Registered Lobbyists," James Magazine