Matthew Celentano

As Chair of the Firm’s Government Relations Practice Group, Matt Celentano leads the group with decades of seasoned lobbying experience and deep institutional knowledge of Maryland’s legislative and regulatory landscape. He represents a diverse and distinguished client portfolio including nonprofits, local governments, Fortune 100 companies, and industry associations — delivering tactical advocacy that advances client interests at every level of state government.

Matt’s effectiveness as a lobbyist and leader stems from the trusted relationships he has cultivated over his career with members of the Maryland General Assembly, legislative staff, and senior agency officials. His command of the legislative process from bill drafting, development and coalition building to direct engagement with policymakers enables him to provide clients with both timely intelligence and meaningful influence on the issues that matter most to them. His years of experience in the trenches also provides insight and clarity on strategic direction for the firm’s growing government affairs group.

His policy fluency spans multiple sectors, with particular depth in health care financing and policy. This expertise gives him regular access to key stakeholders and decision-making bodies, including the Maryland Insurance Administration, Maryland Department of Health, and the Health Services Cost Review Commission. His client roster also spans a wide range of other interests including financial services, technology, energy policy and many more. Matt actively participates in numerous policy committees, has been appointed by the Governor to multiple workgroups, ensuring client perspectives are heard and considered throughout the rule making and legislative process.

Matt’s value to clients lies not only in what he knows, but in how he works — building relationships, navigating complex political dynamics, and crafting strategies that move the needle regardless of the issue at hand. He has spent his entire career developing the tools and tenacity to address whatever legislative challenge comes his way.

In addition to his lobbying practice, Matt serves as Executive Director of several state trade associations managed by the Firm, where he provides direction and represents membership interests before Maryland policymakers. Matt joined Funk & Bolton in 2017 following sixteen years as a health policy advocate for a prominent consumer organization. He holds a Bachelor of Arts with honors from the University of Vermont.