Why start a Blog?
Since I left teaching, I’ve experienced a gap in terms of sharing my thoughts and
participating in thoughtful discussions. Social media has been my outlet up to
now, but the amount of negativity, insults and outright lies I see every day, has
soured me on those platforms as a personal manner. This is only getting worse
year by year, and it contributes to addiction, depression and low self-worth for
many folks, me included. Still, some of my favorite things to do are to talk about
politics, society, pop-culture and my personal life and adventures and share that
with other folks, hoping to hear their feedback, thoughts and experiences in
return.
Writing is my true medium when it comes to communicating my thoughts and
especially my feelings. I find it hard sometimes to do so verbally, and when I do
things often come out differently than I would like them too. In addition, writing is
therapeutic for me and improves my personal satisfaction whenever I find the
time to do it.
So, that’s why I decided to start blogging on things that interest me, and invite
those who can be respectful and thoughtful to join me in this space. No insults,
fake memes or abuse of others will be tolerated.
One of the things I have lost (and many have) is a sense of community. When I
was a kid, I took it for granted but now the whole concept has changed. I plan to
do what I can to create a 21st century community here for those that are
interested. I plan to post often and welcome your feedback. If you see something
you like here and you want to share on social media or anywhere else, consider
permission granted as long as you credit me or anyone else that originated the
thought.
Best,
Matt
About Matt Nelligan
Born in Watervliet NY, to a working-class family, Matt Nelligan was raised on the values of hard work, community and family. His Dad was a union Pipefitter and his mom a homemaker. In High School, Matt was in the top ten in his class, served as Student body President and was a starter on the undefeated State Championship Basketball team. He still shares the single game rebounding record among state tournament competitors.
Matt attended College at Siena and St. Rose, and got his bachelor’s degree in history and Secondary Education and his Masters in American Government and Politics. He taught US History, AP Government and other courses during a successful 12-year career in public education. He based his classes on discussion, the Socratic method and challenging student notions to provoke deeper thinking.
After leaving education, Matt served in the trenches of NY government and politics for decades and he has battle scars to prove it. Initially hired as a regional communications coordinator by the NYS Senate, Matt eventually progressed to the Senior Staff level. He held the positions of Legislative Director, Director of Communications as well as Director of Operations under the Vice- President Pro-Temp of the Senate. Eventually he was promoted again to become Chief of Staff and Director of the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications. In this position Matt was a part of the team that authored some of the most significant energy advancements of that era including the Recharge NY program, the enhanced Article X siting law and the advent of Community Solar.
At the same time has he served in this role, Matt was also appointed as the Director of the Senate Committee on State- Native American Relations, where he built strong relationships with the recognized Native American nations and their leaders.
Matt Briefly left the Senate and served as the Manager of Public Affairs for NY Farm Bureau and the Manager of Government Relations for Sematech.
Following his involvement in these private sector pursuits, Matt returned to the Senate to serve as Chief of Staff and Senior Policy Advisor to two more State Senators, Rich Funke and Mike Martucci. In these roles he was a key contributor to the following policy areas: Labor, Tourism, Elections, Economic Development and Developmental
Disabilities. During election cycles Matt served as Finance Chair and campaign manager for all of his bosses’ campaigns, while also serving as a local GOP Chair and State Committeeman, as well as a County Vice-Chairman, in charge of local elections.
In 2022, Matt left the Senate for good to form Syndicate Strategies LLC, where he currently serves as President and CEO. While at Syndicate Matt has built a strongreputation in a variety of fields and has helped his clients to raise their profiles, increase their influence and build their brands both inside and outside of Government.
In 2023 Matt ran as a Republican for Mayor of Schenectady on a reform platform. While he was not successful, he saw it as a form of public service and furthering the cause of democracy in a very Democratic City.
In 2025, he continues to lead Syndicate Strategies toward new goals and
achievements, while maintaining one foot in politics and another in public policy. He lives in Schenectady with his wife Jackie, his eight children and step children and their Golden Retriever Josh.
Moments Captured
