We are proud to feature Matthew Larson as our October Member Spotlight. Matthew is a new member of the World Affairs Council, but he worked as an intern with the Council almost a decade ago. He is also currently the Senior Secretary to the Mayor of East Hartford.

Current Position/Field of Work?

In June I became the Senior Secretary to the Mayor for the Town of East Hartford. For the past six years I worked in Washington, DC for a nonprofit that implemented international exchange programs and for a bipartisan policy think tank.

What is the most interesting part of your job?

There is never a dull moment working in the Mayor’s office, and I love the fact that no two days are ever the same, but I find the most interesting part of my job to be connecting residents to local government.

Can you describe your most recent travel experience?

This past June I completed a two week fellowship program through the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taipei, sitting in on lectures about our bilateral relations, meeting with government officials, and partaking in a number of exciting cultural activities.

Where would you like to travel next?

Everywhere! But the short list is Scotland, Turkey, Ethiopia & Eritrea, Georgia, and Chile.

Global issue you find fascinating right now?

Right now the global issue I find most fascinating is the relationship between President Trump and Secretary Tillerson, and what that portends for the future of the United States’ diplomatic efforts.

Proudest accomplishment?

I would have to say being my sister’s Man of Honor for her upcoming wedding!

Why you support the Council?

I interned for the Council almost a decade(!) ago, and I can’t think of another organization in this area that truly brings the world to Connecticut. The Council helps everyone from students participating in the Model United Nations program to businesses operating on a global scale to understand the impacts of international affairs on our state (and vice versa) through a broad array of high quality programming.