June 5, 2023

AIA New Jersey – Interim Executive Director Named

Ron Weston, AIA, 2023 Chapter President, is pleased to announce that Matthew S. Halpin has been appointed as our Interim Executive Director of AIA New Jersey. Weston stated, “Matt’s combined experience and skills in public policy advocacy, as well as trade association management, are an excellent fit for AIA-NJ.”

Halpin was hired by the late Joe Simonetta, CAE (Honorary AIA), who served as his mentor for over 20 years Public Strategies Impact (PSI). Matt achieved a Partner role in the firm at the age of 30 and in 2022 was elevated to head up the firm’s association management operation.

Matt is well known in the State Capital for his ability to learn complex issues and to advocate effectively and strategically for his clients.  Over the years he has worked extensively on economic
development issues, land use policy, and lobbied on behalf of a variety of regulated professions, including his work with AIA-NJ for the past 6-months.

Matt has also served as Executive Director for several of PSI’s association management clients and has been recognized with awards from the NJ Society of Municipal Engineers and the American
Academy of Ophthalmology for leadership and organizational excellence.
 
Halpin noted, “I have huge shoes to fill in continuing the groundbreaking work of Joe Simonetta. For more than two decades I worked side by side with Joe and saw the passion with which he cared
for the AIA-NJ and witnessed firsthand his tireless efforts in advocating for our members.  I’m humbled and excited to take on the role of Interim Executive Director and will do my best to continue Joe’s legacy.”
 
A graduate of Rutgers College and the Eagleton Institute of Politics, Halpin began his career as the Manager of Government Relations for the NJ Chamber of Commerce. While working full-time,
Matt completed his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) at Rutgers University with a concentration in Finance.

By Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA, AIA NJ Advocacy Consultant | Posted in AIA-NJ News | Tagged: #aialeadership, #matthalpin | Comments (0)