# Matt Ruszczak | Best in Government Affairs TX 2026 > Matt Ruszczak is a 2026 Best in Government Affairs Texas honoree, recognized as Policy Intelligence Leaders of the Year. Canonical: https://www.uslege.ai/best-in-government-affairs/texas/2026/matt-ruszczak --- [Best in Government Affairs](/best-in-government-affairs)› [Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas)› [2026](/best-in-government-affairs/texas#honorees)› [Policy Intelligence Leaders of the Year](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-policy-experts)› **Matt Ruszczak** USLege · Best in Government Affairs · Texas Texas · 2026 Honoree ![Matt Ruszczak, External Affairs Manager at Texas Division of Emergency Management. Winner, Policy Intelligence Leaders of the Year, 2026 Best in Government Affairs Texas](/assets/awards/tx-2026/matt-ruszczak.jpg) Category [Policy Intelligence Leaders of the Year](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-policy-experts) Organization [Texas Division of Emergency Management](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/firms#texas-division-of-emergency-management) Title External Affairs Manager [View LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattruszczak/) [Visit Texas Division of Emergency Management](https://tdem.texas.gov/) [08 · Policy Intelligence Leaders of the Year](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-policy-experts) # Matt Ruszczak **External Affairs Manager**, Texas Division of Emergency Management Matt Ruszczak, External Affairs Manager at Texas Division of Emergency Management, is a 2026 Best in Government Affairs Texas honoree in the Policy Intelligence Leaders of the Year category. The awards are peer-nominated. Matt Ruszczak stands at the intersection of technology, strategy, and public service. Using innovation to make the government smarter and more responsive. With nearly three decades in Texas and a career spanning chambers of commerce, economic development, and legislative leadership, Matt brings both depth and creativity to his work in state policy. During his time as Legislative Director for Chairman Ryan Guillen in the Texas House, Matt helped pioneer the use of artificial intelligence tools for statutory research, bill drafting, and hearing preparation. A forward-thinking approach that streamlined legislative processes and set a new model for modern policy work. His ability to merge data-driven insight with real-world experience has made him a standout figure in the evolving space where technology meets governance. Now serving as External Affairs Manager for the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), Matt continues to advance innovation in state operations, applying AI for bill tracking, analysis, and implementation planning. Colleagues describe him as “a really great guy - super helpful and resourceful,” and it’s that spirit of collaboration and service that defines his leadership style. As one of this year’s Policy Intelligence Leaders of the Year, Matt Ruszczak represents the best of public-sector intelligence.  Combining technological innovation with human connection to build a smarter, more effective state government. 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