Aaron Matthews

Highly accomplished and results-driven Army Acquisitions Officer with over 25 years of distinguished leadership in advanced defense acquisitions, lifecycle management, and strategic operations. Expert at spearheading high-visibility, multi-million dollar portfolios ($20M to $328M+) encompassing advanced technology, complex systems engineering, and rapid product fielding. Proven track record managing cross-functional teams, mitigating critical program risks, and negotiating with executive-level stakeholders (including Congressional staff).

A decisive leader who thrives in high-pressure, fluid environments to deliver mission-critical solutions on time, within scope, and under budget.

Assistant Program Manager - United States Army - Fort Belvoir, VA

(2020-06 - 2022-09)

Directly spearheaded high-priority strategic initiatives on behalf of United States Special Operations Command and United States Army Special Operations Command. Managed two major Counter-Integrated Air Defense System (C-IADS) projects, maintaining total ownership over cost, schedule, and performance across a $20M annual budget within an accelerated, highly classified environment.

• Portfolio Leadership: Orchestrated cross-functional engineering and operational teams to successfully conceptualize, prototype, test, and field advanced tactical capabilities ahead of schedule.
• Strategic Advisory: Served as the principal advisor to executive leadership on all C-IADS programmatic and financial matters; represented critical multi-service customer requirements during enterprise-level portfolio and milestone reviews to drive consensus.
• Operational Continuity: Maintained 100% compliance with rigid federal acquisition policies and security regulations while simultaneously streamlining the capabilities deployment pipeline.
• Excellence Recognition: Awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for exceptional leadership, complex problem-solving, and continuous team development during high-visibility projects.

Department of the Army System Coordinator - United States Army - The Pentagon, Arlington, VA

(2018-07 - 2020-06)

Oversaw the strategic Air Defense and Fires portfolio, managing the lifecycle execution of Acquisition Category I (ACAT I) programs, including the Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target (PATRIOT) and Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Systems (LTAMDS).

• Executive Funding Execution: Led the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution System coordination for ACAT I portfolios, successfully securing critical funding for the Army's Top 100 program initiatives.
• Executive Liaison & Briefings: Developed and delivered high-impact strategic briefings to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Office of Management and Budget, and Congressional staff to justify program funding, ensure transparency, and secure multiyear buy-in.
• Policy & Legislative Strategy: Monitored and analyzed federal acquisition policies, market trends, and legislative actions to anticipate impacts on the Program Executive Office Missiles and Space portfolio, implementing proactive adjustments.
• Strategic Collaboration: Cultivated and maintained trusted partnerships with General Officers, HQDA executives, and corporate partners to align conflicting program objectives and resolve complex operational bottlenecks.

Assistant Product Manager - United States Army - Fort Belvoir, VA

(2016-01 - 2018-07)

Led a high-priority ACAT II precision targeting portfolio, directing a $328M budget spanning Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation through full Procurement and fielding phases. Managed a direct project team of 5 technical experts.

• Lifecycle Strategy Transformation: Authored and executed an innovative acquisition strategy for the Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder, balancing legacy asset sustainment with the aggressive integration of next-generation targeting systems.
• Risk & Turnaround Management: Maintained strict program stability, budget adherence, and schedule milestones despite a 40% team turnover environment by standardizing testing strategies and deployment workflows.
• Vendor & Quality Management: Oversaw vendor performance metrics and end-user feedback loops to rapidly refine device hardware, boosting system reliability in diverse, austere operational environments.

Various Leadership Roles - United States Army

(1997-01 - 2022-12)

Progressed through a series of increasingly responsible leadership roles over a distinguished 25-year career.

Bachelor of Science - Criminology - Florida State University (1995-12)

Certificate - Refrigeration and Electro-Mechanical Technologies - Tulsa Welding School (2026-12)