Jennifer Matthews has extensive experience in publishing, advertising/media buying and political affairs. Prior to forming MPG in 1998, she served as national advertising sales manager for The Trucker Media Group and advertising manager – special publications for Arkansas Business Publishing Group, both in Little Rock, Ark. Prior to moving to Little Rock in 1995, Matthews lived in Boston, Mass., and worked for Rising Star Associates, publishers of New Age Journal and two financial advisory newsletters. Her political experience includes grassroots coalition building, governmental affairs, local and national political campaigns, issues referendums, polling, petition drives, political fundraising, and a variety of efforts contracted with and on behalf of industry groups such as the American Trucking Associations, and many others.

A native of Portland, Ore., Matthews is an honors graduate of The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash., with a Bachelor of Arts degree in environmental science and political economy. Politics have always been a part of her childhood, and later her college experience, including working on various election campaigns, lobbying for Sierra Club and on a variety of other issues at both state and congressional levels. Her undergraduate work includes studies in Soviet environmental policy at Kazan State University in the Kazan Republic. Her post-graduate work includes courses in governmental affairs, international, law, treaty law, and constitutional law at Harvard University Extension in Cambridge, Mass., and she’s currently working toward a Master of Public Service degree from the University of Arkansas – Clinton School of Public Service.

After spending 21 wonderful years in Little Rock, Ark.,  Matthews now resides in Minneapolis with her husband Brett whom she met in kindergarten. They live with their three children – Griffin, Van and Amelie. Matthews has three stepchildren – Justin, Lauren and Will – two children-in-law and four beautiful grandchildren from her previous marriage.