Party Republican Party | Role Advocate Name Matt Schlapp | |
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Full Name Matthew Aaron Schlapp Alma mater University of Notre DameWichita State University Education |
A biography of acu chairman matt schlapp
Matthew Aaron "Matt" Schlapp (born December 18, 1967) is an American political advocate who is chairman of the American Conservative Union, the oldest conservative lobbying organization in the country. Schlapp also serves as principal at Cove Strategies, a government and public affairs firm based in Alexandria, Virginia. Previously he served as vice president of federal affairs at Koch Companies Public Sector, LLC. He also served as George W. Bush’s deputy assistant and political director. He is also a FOX political contributor.
Contents
- A biography of acu chairman matt schlapp
- Cpac 2015 matt schlapp chairman acu former white house political director
- Early life and education
- Political career
- Personal life
- References

Cpac 2015 matt schlapp chairman acu former white house political director
Early life and education
Schlapp grew up in Wichita, Kansas, and is the son of The Hon. Susan Schlapp, a Wichita City councilwoman. He was educated at Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, a private school in Wichita from which he graduated in 1986, followed by the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a Bachelor degree and Wichita State University, from which he earned a Master's degree in Public Policy.
Political career
He began his political career in 1994, working five years as a press secretary, campaign manager and chief of staff for Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.). Schlapp joined George W. Bush’s 2000 political campaign, serving as a regional political director with oversight of Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kansas and Oklahoma.
During his tenure at the White House as George W. Bush’s political director, Schlapp advised the President, the Vice President, members of the cabinet, senior White House staff and had extensive contact with members of Congress and federal agencies.
In 2004 he transitioned to Koch Industries, headquartered in his hometown of Wichita, Kansas. While in his role as vice president of federal affairs at Koch Companies Public Sector, LLC, he directed the major federal public policy strategies on environmental and energy policies, financial markets, legal reform, and international and domestic tax issues.
On June 19, 2014 Schlapp was unanimously elected chairman by the board of directors of the American Conservative Union.
Personal life
Schlapp married Mercedes (Mercy) Viana Schlapp, whom he met while working at the White House, where she served as the director of specialty media. Together they co-founded Cove Strategies, a communications and political consulting firm based in Alexandria, Virginia.
Matt and Mercy have five young daughters and are parishioners of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.