Photo credit: The HSUS

Jordan Matyas and his pups

Jordan Matyas is looking forward to pairing his love of animals with his love of politics in his new role as The Humane Society of the United States' Illinois state director.

A lawyer, Matyas is a former Washington press secretary and lobbyist who has championed important animal welfare bills in the Illinois legislature. But when he's not talking politics, he's playing with his dogs: Roy, an 11-year-old basset hound, and Bertha, a 2-year-old therapy dog for neurological patients.

A Helping Hand…and Paw

Once a week, Bertha accompanies Matyas to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, where he and the dog work with children and adults recovering from brain and spinal cord injuries, strokes and burns. The patients work their hands and arms by feeding Bertha treats. She's also useful in helping them practice walking. Matyas says she’s a real motivator: Children who struggle to walk down the hall with a walker often walk farther with Bertha out of excitement to be in her company.

"The little kids look forward to seeing Bertha,” Matyas said. “It’s a very sterile environment in the hospital. They really like to show off for the dogs, to show how much they have improved." 

Matyas developed an early avocation for animal welfare work.  

“I love volunteering, and this time I get to do it with my dog,” he said. “What’s better than volunteering with your pet?” 

From White House Intern to Activist Lawyer

During his undergraduate years at The George Washington University in Washington, Matyas worked in the White House press office as an intern. He later worked as manager of the press office for Vice President Al Gore and as press assistant during Gore's 2000 presidential bid. Matyas’ career in politics included stints as deputy press secretary for the Democratic Leadership Council in Washington and as press secretary for an Indiana Congressional race.

When he entered the John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Matyas began volunteering at the local shelter. Later, he volunteered as counsel – and as a foster parent - for the Chicago English Bulldog rescue. He also fosters dogs for the Guardian Angel Basset Rescue.

Before joining The HSUS, Matyas was already active on state animal welfare legislation, including working on a bill that would ban the use of carbon monoxide euthanasia chambers in Illinois. Matyas helped build a coalition of 60 organizations to support the bill, which passed the state House unanimously. He also wrote a draft city ordinance that would require pet stores to disclose the breeding origins of cats and dogs sold in Chicago.

Of his job at The HSUS, Matyas says, it is “the ideal opportunity. I get to combine my love of animals with my love of politics.”