Senior Director of Public Policy
United Philanthropy Forum
Matthew L. Evans is the Senior Director of Public Policy for United Philanthropy Forum, the largest, most diverse organization in American philanthropy. The Forum’s public policy work helps the organization lead and advocate on behalf of the sector, address racial inequities, and identify practical public policy solutions that catalyze a just and equitable society where all can participate and prosper.
Matthew brings to the Forum more than 15 years of public policy, government relations, and external affairs experience. Prior to joining the Forum, he was Director of Public Policy & Special Projects for the Southeastern Council on Foundations (now Philanthropy Southeast), where he worked to ensure the legislative and regulatory success of the philanthropic sector in the South.
Before he began leading advocacy efforts on behalf of the philanthropic sector, Matthew worked as Senior Manager of Government Relations for SmithBucklin in Washington, D.C., where he directed the legislative and regulatory affairs efforts of multiple clients from a diverse group of industry sectors. Most of Matthew’s professional career has been shaped in Washington, D.C., having held multiple positions that gave him direct experience in working with elected officials, corporations, and associations, leading advocacy efforts for several national organizations.
Matthew has served on the public policy committees of Independent Sector and the Council on Foundations, and currently serves as the staff lead for the Forum Public Policy Committee. He also is a member of the Nonprofit VOTE Board of Directors and National Leadership Council. Matthew holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Tennessee State University, an HBCU in Nashville, Tennessee.
