WASHINGTON (Sept. 29, 2022) – The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management announced the appointment of Matthew Klink and Tiffany Waddell to the school’s Board of Advisors. Klink and Waddell are GSPM alumni who have built exceptional careers in public affairs and government relations. Over the course of their three-year appointment, they will contribute to the board’s mission of supporting GSPM as public advocates, financial benefactors, and adjunct faculty recruiters.
“It’s an honor to welcome these highly distinguished new members to our advisory board, who will be instrumental in providing insights and support for our GSPM programs and community,” Liesl Riddle, dean of the GW College of Professional Studies, said. “They have been trailblazers throughout their careers. We are grateful they now are empowering our students to blaze trails of their own.”
Klink’s public affairs career spans more than 30 years and encompasses a diverse portfolio of public and private sector clients, campaigns, and causes. He is the owner and president of Klink Campaigns, Inc., and a partner in the consulting firm California Strategies. He is an award-winning writer and an accomplished communications strategist specializing in a wide array of media- and voter-focused messaging tactics. Klink has played a critical role in several high-profile campaigns and initiatives, including the successful effort to sink the largest proposed property tax in California history. He currently serves as the president of the International Association of Political Consultants.
“It is an incredible honor to be named to the GSPM board,” Klink said. “Attending the GSPM jump-started my career in politics. I look forward to working with my fellow Board members and GSPM leadership to ensure that the political management program remains the place for the next generation’s consultants, elected officials, and leaders.”
Waddell is the director of government relations at the National Governors Association, where she engages with the White House, Capitol Hill, and federal agencies to advance the bipartisan priorities of America’s governors. She joined the NGA after nearly six years in the office of Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, serving as a senior advisor to the governor and director of federal relations. Waddell also served as government affairs manager at Delta Air Lines and held key fundraising positions in the Republican National Committee and Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign. She joined the GSPM adjunct faculty in the fall of 2022.
“I am thrilled to join the GSPM Board of Advisors at an exciting time in the university's growth,” Waddell said. “I believe my public policy experience and bipartisan relationships will help strengthen recruitment and counsel as the board continues to look ahead at new areas of programming.”
The Graduate School of Political Management at the George Washington University is the first and foremost school of applied politics, advocacy, and communications. For more information, visit gspm.gwu.edu. Connect with GSPM on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @GSPMgwu.
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