Matthew Peter, B.A. ’06, M.A. ’07

Advancing Albany

By Jim Sciancalepore, M.A.’93

Photo credit: Colleen Piccolino

Though he hails from Long Island, Matthew Peter adopted Albany as his home while attending UAlbany.

“I love this city,” said Peter. “It’s a great place to live.”

Peter, 29, now has a hand in helping to shape the city’s future – as chief of Staff for Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. His responsibilities include managing the day-to-day operations of the mayor’s office and collaborating with an array of civic and community leaders. Peter also takes an active role in developing and implementing policy.

Last fall, Peter served as campaign manager for Sheehan, Albany’s first-ever female mayor, and he helped her win the general election on a platform of progressive change. In Sheehan’s first year in office, they have already begun work on sustainability and “walkability” initiatives that will enhance quality of life for the city’s 98,000 residents.

“I get energized by good policy,” explained Peter. “It’s very gratifying to make a difference.”

The magna cum laude graduate says that his UAlbany education has served him well in his career – especially his study-abroad experience and internship opportunities in state government.

It also helped him find his home.