Joined RVA757 Connects: 2026

Matthew A. Conrad is vice president of business development and external affairs at Tract, a data center land acquisition and development company based in Denver.

Conrad brings a deep background in public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and strategic growth to Tract’s mission of accelerating responsible infrastructure nationwide. 

He previously served as vice president for government and external relations at Virginia Commonwealth University and VCU Health System, where he has been a trusted senior advisor to President Michael Rao and a member of the executive leadership team. In this capacity, Conrad led the institution's comprehensive government affairs and external relations strategies, securing more than $1 billion in public investment for institutional priorities including capital construction, student financial aid, faculty and staff support, and enrollment growth.

Before joining VCU, Conrad held senior roles in Virginia state government, serving as deputy chief of staff and deputy counselor to Governor McDonnell, and as deputy secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. His professional tenure includes significant legal and policy experience, including service as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and counsel to multiple Virginia state agencies.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts from James Madison University, a Juris Doctor from George Mason University School of Law, and a Ph.D. in Health Related Sciences from Virginia Commonwealth University.