Matthew Kagel serves as IFA’s Director of State & Local Government Relations, overseeing the association’s advocacy efforts at the state and local level across the country and representing the franchise community in state houses and before city councils. With a decade of advocacy, public affairs, and government relations experience, Matthew works directly with Vice President of State & Local Government Relations and Council, Jeff Hanscom, and outside state and local groups to develop public policy initiatives, drive advocacy and build coalitions in support of franchising, and serve as the association’s liaison with state and local policymakers.

Prior to joining IFA, Matthew was the director of communications and government affairs for Pepsi Bottling Ventures LLC (PBV), representing the nation’s largest independent Pepsi-Cola bottler in North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia, and oversaw all internal and external communication initiatives. Before Pepsi, Matthew served as Associate Vice President at DDC Public Affairs in Washington, DC, where he managed a robust and diverse portfolio of clients handling issues related to retail, energy, healthcare, and agriculture. His career also includes a tenure as Deputy Communications Director for a victorious U.S. Congressional campaign in Virginia’s 7th District.  

Matthew received his bachelor’s degree in public relations from Virginia Commonwealth University.

You can contact Matthew by email at [email protected] or by phone at 202.662.4176.