Matthew Annis, a graduate student at UAlbany’s Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, was hired in July as the other John M. Reilly legislative intern. He joins Kathryn Fantauzzi to help handle UUP’s increased political action and outreach efforts.

Annis is working 20 hours a week through May 2011 tracking proposed legislation, researching and analyzing issues for potential legislation, arranging visits to lawmakers’ offices, and other duties associated with the union’s Legislation Department.

Annis is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a minor in political science, from SUNY Oneonta, and his associate’s degree in aviation operations from Daniel Webster College in New Hampshire.

“Matt has proven himself as an asset to UUP’s legislative efforts, which comes as no surprise considering his tremendous personal and professional experiences,” said UUP Secretary Eileen Landy, who heads the union’s Legislation Department. “The fact that Matt is known to our Oneonta colleagues makes him a wonderful fit.”

Prior to joining UUP, Annis was a case management intern with the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, based in Albany, where he coordinated social services and financials for incoming refugees. Before that, he was an executive intern assessing emergency preparedness campaigns with the state Office of Homeland Security in Albany.

The internship is named in honor of the late John Reilly, UUP’s president from 1987-1993.

— Karen L. Mattison