At the American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), our mission is driven by a dedicated team that deeply understands both the complexities of U.S. policy and the vibrant heart of the Lebanese diaspora. In our new Staff Spotlight series, we are taking you behind the scenes to meet the people pushing our mission forward.
Today, we are thrilled to feature Matthew Audi, our Government Affairs and Policy Associate.
The Roots of His Work
Growing up in Ramapo, New York, Matthew didn’t have a large local Lebanese-American community, but the culture was always the heartbeat of his upbringing. His father’s family immigrated from Lebanon to the United States in the 1960s, passing down traditions that shaped Matthew's worldview.
He fondly recalls childhood drives to his grandparents' house on Long Island, where the home was always filled with cousins, incredible Lebanese food, and the lively blending of Arabic, English, and French. For Matthew, being Lebanese-American became synonymous with that sense of warmth and the beautiful intersection of different cultures. This deep personal connection ultimately inspired him to study history, international relations, and policy.
Making an Impact in Washington
After graduating from college, Matthew set out to find a place where he could make a tangible impact on Lebanese-American relations. His search led him directly to Washington, D.C., and to ATFL.
As part of the Government Affairs team, Matthew's primary role is to inform and educate members of Congress and their staff. Recognizing that Capitol Hill staffers cover a massive portfolio of issues, Matthew focuses on being an efficient, helpful resource—highlighting the critical importance of Lebanon to U.S. foreign policy.
"If we can help U.S. policymakers better understand the complexities of Lebanon, while also sharing American perspectives with Lebanese policymakers, then we are accomplishing our goal," Matthew says. Looking ahead, he is focused on expanding ATFL’s footprint on Capitol Hill and finding fresh, engaging ways to share our message across social media.
Beyond the Office
One of Matthew’s favorite parts of working at ATFL is connecting with others in the diaspora—learning about where their families are from, the unique traditions they carry on, and even how they prepare specific dishes.
Outside of his policy work, Matthew is currently on a mission to visit every single traffic circle in Washington, D.C. While Dupont Circle might be the most famous, his favorite so far is Grant Circle. The reason? It is beautifully anchored by a majestic Cedar tree.