The Candidate
Matt McKinney
Matt is a third generation West Des Moines citizen, born and raised on a family farm located in West Des Moines. Matt is married to his wife, Mallary, and they are blessed with three wonderful children (Kennedy, 8; Jack 7; and Juliet 3). Inspired to serve his community at a young age by his parents, Matt began his career serving as a Polk County attorney. After his time at the County Attorney’s office, Matt became more involved in West Des Moines community organizations, where served as Chair of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, a board member for the West Des Moines Historical Society, and an appointed member to the West Des Moines Sister Cities Commission. Today, Matt continues to serves on several community boards, including:
Chair of West Des Moines Planning and Development Subcommittee;
Executive and Policy Committee Member of the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (“MPO”);
Co-chair of ICON Water trials;
BRAVO of Greater Des Moines Board of Directors and Executive Committee;
Des Moines Arts Festival Board of Directors;
West Des Moines Community Foundation Board of Directors; and
Member of West Des Moines Public Services Council Subcommittee;
Matt is an attorney and partner with the BrownWinick Law Firm and chairs the firm’s award-winning Government Relations practice group. In addition to a robust government relations practice, Matt is active in the firm’s litigation and data security practice groups.
Matt graduated from the University of Iowa in 2004, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and the University of Iowa Business School’s Certificate in Entrepreneurship. Thereafter, he received his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Creighton University School of Law, while also earning certificates of concentration in litigation, and criminal law and procedure. Matt was the sole recipient of the David A. Svoboda Trial Advocacy award, recognizing excellence in trial advocacy.
Matt is a graduate of the West Des Moines Leadership Academy, the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, and Leadership Iowa. He was also recognized in 2014 by the Des Moines Business Record as a “Forty under 40” and in 2017 - 2021 by Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star” in the area of Government Relations.