CHAPA Hires Director of Public Policy, Matt Noyes

Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) has hired their next Director of Public Policy, Matt Noyes. As CHAPA’s Director of Public Policy, he is responsible for helping develop, direct, and implement the organization's public policy agenda. Noyes brings a rich history of legislative and coalition-building experience from the nonprofit and government sectors to the role. His work in health and higher education policy, which are critical to thriving communities, complements his housing expertise to bring a holistic perspective to ensure a home for everyone in the communities of their choice in Massachusetts.

"I have been an enormous admirer of CHAPA since I first started as an advocate nearly 20 years ago. I couldn't be more proud or more excited to be part of the team,” said Noyes. “The issue of housing is one of the most significant challenges facing Massachusetts — one that will have profound implications on the prosperity of our state. The Commonwealth I want to be part of is one where everyone has a safe, affordable, and accessible place to call home in a community where they want to live.”

As Director of Trustee and Government Relations at the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Noyes developed and managed the implementation of a legislative-mandated training curriculum for nearly 300 members of the state university and community college boards of trustees. He also convened in-district legislative forums at public colleges and universities to highlight innovative programs, including Open Educational Resources for students and efforts to make higher education more equitable for traditionally minoritized student populations. 

At Health Care For All, he managed a 30+ member coalition for the successful passage and enactment of omnibus children's mental health legislation. Additionally, he led the organization's policy work around the implementation of the Affordable Care Act in Massachusetts and the development of Payment Reform/Cost Control legislation.

At the AIDS Housing Corporation, Matt managed and grew the United Disability Housing Partnership, a coalition of organizations dedicated to expanding housing opportunities for persons living with disabilities across the state. He led grassroots advocacy efforts to increase the Alternative Housing Voucher Program funding and represented AIDS Housing Corporation and United Housing on CHAPA’s Building Blocks coalition.

"CHAPA is so fortunate to have Matt Noyes join our team,” said Rachel Heller, CHAPA’s Chief Executive Officer. “Matt brings tremendous experience in coalition building, policy development, and advocacy. These are the skills needed to develop and implement effective solutions that support the creation and preservation of homes that people and our communities need to thrive."

Noyes began his career as a staff assistant and legislative correspondent for Congressman Henry Waxman of California. Born and raised in Massachusetts, he holds a master's degree in history from UMass Amherst and a Bachelor of Arts in history with a minor in peace and conflict studies from Holy Cross.