Matthew Dowling

Matthew Dowling is a communications strategist, public affairs professional, former Pennsylvania State Representative, community advocate, and founder of Fayette County Discussions. Born and raised in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, Matt loves his community and has spent years fighting for the growth and betterment of Fayette County and Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Matt served as a State Representative for the 51st Legislative District in Fayette and Somerset Counties for three terms — six years. A strong business background and a commonsense approach inform his actions. As a legislator, he took up the cause of holding the line on taxes and spending and advanced legislation that protects small businesses, which represent the backbone of economic vitality in Pennsylvania.

During his tenure, the 51st Legislative District included the City of Uniontown and the townships of Georges, German, Henry Clay, Nicholson, South Union, Springfield, Springhill, Stewart, and Wharton, along with the boroughs of Fairchance, Markleysburg, Ohiopyle, Point Marion, and Smithfield in Fayette County — and the townships of Addison, Elk Lick, Lower Turkeyfoot, Summit, and Upper Turkeyfoot, along with the boroughs of Addison, Confluence, Garrett, Meyersdale, Salisbury, and Ursina in Somerset County.

Driven by faith, family, and freedom, Matt is a former member of the Fayette County Behavioral Services Board and a former director of the Fayette Chamber of Commerce. He is Past District Governor of Rotary International, an organization of professionals committed to humanitarian service locally and globally. He and his ex-wife founded the annual "Share the Spirit" benefit, which has raised more than $70,000 for local nonprofits in its seven-year history.

As a published author, Matt co-authored "Empowered in Pittsburgh" — a self-help book for young professionals starting their careers and navigating adulthood.

Matt is a graduate of Waynesburg College with a degree in Business Administration, and studied Communications, Theology, and Philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is a graduate of Uniontown Area High School. He has two sons, W. Pierce Dowling and Preston Dowling, and resides in Uniontown, Pennsylvania.

As founder of Fayette County Discussions, Matthew created the platform to encourage meaningful community dialogue, civic engagement, and constructive conversations about the future of Fayette County. The platform reflects his belief that local voices matter and that meaningful change begins with meaningful conversations.

Matthew is the founder of Amplify Communication Strategies, LLC, a communications and public affairs firm based in Pennsylvania, and maintains a personal website at MatthewDDowling.com.