Matt Gerien is a communications and marketing strategist with experience in executive communications, issues management and public affairs. He provides strategic counsel to higher education presidents, boards, and senior leaders. He joined the RW Jones Agency in 2021 after working as the chief communications officer at Rhodes College, where he managed strategic communications, marketing and government affairs. He led the college through a brand refresh and a strategic plan launch based on extensive market research.
Gerien previously spent a decade working as a broadcast journalist. He was managing editor, overseeing day-to-day newsroom operations, the investigative unit and political coverage. He was a credentialed member of the White House and Congressional Press Corps while working as the coordinating producer for Hearst Television’s Washington Bureau. He was also an on-air television reporter and served as a communications director for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Gerien earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Union College, where he served as a student member of the board of trustees. He also holds a master’s degree in broadcast and digital journalism from Syracuse University.