Prior to joining the firm, Matt Hay served as Vice President, Washington Operations, for Engineered Support Systems, Inc. (ESSI), a $1.2 billion diversified defense company. During his five years in that role, Mr. Hay was responsible for all corporate marketing and government relations with the Executive and Legislative branches of government. In addition, he supervised ESSI’s field marketing organization and ensured that new business opportunities were fully realized throughout the corporation. Before becoming Vice President, Mr. Hay spent three years as Director of Legislative Affairs where he developed and implemented annual legislative plans in addition to overseeing the company’s political action committee (PAC). Mr. Hay began his career as a Legislative Assistant to Congressman Jim Inhofe where he specialized in Armed Services Committee matters. Mr. Hay also served as Campaign Manager for Congressman Inhofe’s 1992 re-election bid and was a senior advisor during Inhofe’s successful Senate race in 1994. As a Legislative Assistant to Senator Inhofe, Mr. Hay managed national security, budget and tax, foreign affairs, and NASA related legislative issues. Mr. Hay received his Masters in Business Administration from The George Washington University and his Bachelor’s in Economics from George Mason University. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College, Command and Staff College. Mr. Hay serves on the Washington Chapter Board of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) and maintains an active Secret level security clearance.