Matthew Kaido
Matthew Kaido’s career reflects a deep commitment to public service, policy development, and community engagement. From Capitol Hill to Ohio’s Appalachian region, his work spans government, nonprofit leadership, and grassroots advocacy.
He began his career as a Staff Assistant to former Congressman Pat Tiberi, representing his home district in Ohio. His expertise expanded as a Policy Analyst for the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee, where he focused on critical issues such as international trade, tax policy, and terrorism financing.
At the state level, Matthew served as Legislative Liaison for Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, playing a key role in passing legislation on election cybersecurity and domestic violence prevention. He also managed Election Day operations during the 2020 Presidential Election, ensuring secure and efficient voting processes.
Beyond government, Matthew contributed to the nonprofit sector as Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, a community foundation serving 32 Appalachian counties. His dedication to social impact extends to volunteer work with Community Refugee & Immigration Services, supporting refugee and immigrant populations in Central Ohio.
A native of Zanesville, Ohio, Matthew graduated from The Ohio State University in 2014 with a BA in Political Science, concentrating on International Relations and American Politics. During his time at OSU, he was an active member of the Collegiate Council on World Affairs, serving as Conference Director and Outreach Chair, and competing on the university’s Model UN team.
Matthew’s academic experience was enriched by four internships:
- An Ohio gubernatorial campaign
- A Page position in the Ohio House of Representatives
- A U.S. Senate campaign
- An Economic Development and Legal internship at the Ohio Treasurer’s Office
He credits the Political Science Department at OSU for shaping his analytical approach to political institutions and policy. Courses taught by distinguished professors—including Herb Asher’s Ohio Politics, Randall Ripley’s U.S. Congress, Richard Herrmann’s Strategies for War and Peace, Alexander Thompson’s United Nations Systems, and Randall Schweller’s Theories of International Relations—provided him with a strong foundation in both domestic and international political dynamics.
Today, Matthew continues his commitment to public service as an Associate at the O.H.I.O. Fund, advancing initiatives that strengthen communities across the state.