The National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF), a leading nonprofit supporting people with bleeding disorders, is proud to congratulate Matthew Delaney, government relations manager, on being named to City & State New York’s 2026 Albany 40 Under 40, an annual list recognizing rising stars in New York State government, politics, and public service.
For Matt, the recognition is personal and deeply tied to NBDF. Growing up with the bleeding disorder von Willebrand disease (VWD), he became aware early on not only of the limitations that having a bleeding disorder can place on a person, but of the value of connecting with the community and advocating for people with bleeding disorders.
As a child growing up in Albany, NY, Matt’s family was involved with the Bleeding Disorders Association of Northeastern New York (BDANENY), attending events, weekend camps, and their annual advocacy days at the state capital. It was through BDANENY that he became aware of NBDF’s National Youth Leadership Institute (NYLI), a leadership development program for young people with bleeding disorders, and the opportunities it offered learning and growth. “I wanted to get into public service, and the NYLI had an advocacy track,” Matthew Delaney said. “Plus, it gave me the chance to meet other people my age with VWD.” Delaney joined the two-year NYLI program in 2015, where he gained skills in speaking with legislators, facilitated advocacy education workshops, attended NBDF’s federal advocacy event, Washington Days, and participated in state advocacy events.
After graduating from the State University of New York at New Paltz, Matt served as a legislative aide in the New York State Senate, and in public policy representing the behavioral health and social services sector in New York State. He joined NBDF in 2022, where he works closely with local NBDF chapters across the country, developing and strengthening their advocacy programs.
“We’re incredibly proud to see Matt recognized on the Albany 40 Under 40 list,” said Nathan Schaefer, Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Access for NBDF. “His early involvement in NBDF programs laid the foundation for his leadership, and today, as our Government Relations Manager, he brings that perspective and expertise to guiding policy efforts that benefit the bleeding disorders community.”
“As a person with a bleeding disorder, working in public policy for NBDF feels like I’ve come full circle – I can use what I’ve learned both as a lived experience expert and an aide in the New York State Legislature to help the bleeding disorders community,” Delaney said.
