Distinguished Alumni Award
Matthew Bott
Congressional Advisor and Foreign Affairs Officer, Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, U.S. Department of State
College of Education and Public Service
Class of ’01
Matthew Bott has served in a variety of roles with the U.S. Department of State over the past decade, both in Washington, D.C. and at a U.S. Embassy in Europe. His work has focused on advancing U.S. national and economic security while strengthening America’s global leadership in technology and innovation through diplomatic initiatives.
In his current role, Bott leads congressional affairs for the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy and coordinates a global team of diplomats. He also oversees a flagship diplomatic training course and regularly speaks at the National Foreign Affairs Training Center. While stationed overseas, Bott contributed to a number of diplomatic initiatives, including the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, cyber deterrence work and other national/economic security initiatives. He has received multiple Meritorious and Superior Honor Awards for his service.
Bott has also served as board chair of the American School in The Hague, Netherlands, volunteered in a NATO capacity and served on several economic development and civic boards, including the Western Association of Chamber Executives and Rotary. He currently serves on the national board for Kappa Sigma Fraternity and volunteers to help college students prepare for career success, leadership growth and civic engagement. Before joining the State Department, Bott was CEO of a chamber of commerce in the Seattle area, where he focused on business advocacy and economic development.
Bott graduated from Boise State University in 2001 with bachelor’s degrees in political science and criminal justice. He also earned an MBA from George Washington University and a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication from Washington State University. As a Boise State student, he served as student body president, advocating for higher education funding, helping establish campus traditions, supporting the recreation center project and helping launch the Distinguished Lecture Series. He also served as Buster Bronco and was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.
Bott lives in Virginia with his wife, Jaime (Thompson) Bott, also a Boise State alum, and their three children.