About Events Capitol Conversations: Hoos on the Hill and the Life of a Staffer Capitol Conversations: Hoos on the Hill and the Life of a Staffer Oct 12, 2021 / 11:30 AM Online via Zoom REGISTER At the Center for Effective Lawmaking we know that experienced legislative staff contribute to effective lawmaking. But who, exactly, are the people making the legislative agenda move? What is the daily life of a Hill staffer when it comes to policy? In a conversation moderated by Center for Effective Lawmaking Co-Director Professor Craig Volden, three Batten alums who currently work in Congress share their thoughts and stories. These three staffers will explain what their jobs look like and how their career trajectory led them to the Hill after graduation. Meet the Panelists Jack DiMatteo (MPP '19) DiMatteo is a legislative assistant for Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14). DiMatteo covers health policy for Congresswoman Underwood, including the Black Maternal Health Caucus. He also covers veterans, Social Security, and foreign affairs issues. He graduated from UVA's Batten School in 2019 and was a 2019-2020 David A. Winston Health Policy Fellow. DiMatteo is from Deerfield, Illinois. Rebecca Hattar (MPP '20) Hattar is a legislative assistant for Congressman Chris Jacobs (R-NY), serving as the lead advisor on issues related to energy, natural resources, climate, Native Americans, and the environment. In this role, Hattar manages the Congressman’s floor and voting activities; meets with stakeholders and industry groups on the Congressman’s behalf; engages the House Appropriations Committee to secure funding for district priorities; collaborates with committee staff and stakeholders to draft legislation; and leads the Congressman’s advocacy efforts relating to federal agency actions. Following graduation from the Batten School in 2020, Hattar interned with the House Energy & Commerce Committee under former Ranking Member Greg Walden (R-OR), primarily focusing on energy and climate issues. Megan Porter (BA '17) Porter is a legislative assistant for Congressman Ronny Jackson (R-TX) and advises him on a variety of issues, including foreign affairs, health care, trade and commerce, judiciary, transportation and infrastructure, and education. She previously served as member services assistant for the House Republican Conference under Chair Liz Cheney (R-WY) and as Staff Assistant for Pete Sessions (R-TX). She graduated from the University of Virginia in 2017 with a double major in history and public policy and leadership. While at UVA, she played on the Women's Club Lacrosse team, was president of her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, and served as a trustee. She is from Dallas, Texas and is an avid Cowboys fan. Stay Up To Date with the Latest Batten News and Events Subscribe