Matt is a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran with operational and diplomatic experience in Latin America and the Middle East, where he worked alongside partner forces and community leaders in regions affected by conflict and instability. His work focused on fostering cooperation between host nations and the United States while supporting local communities as they rebuilt and worked to restore safety and stability.

Matt works closely with our regional studies directors to shape research priorities and uphold the quality and rigor of all published work. He coordinates cross-regional projects, reviews the think tank’s research outputs, and helps translate research findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers and the public. Matt provides strategic direction for the think tank’s research and ensures that all work is guided by empirical analysis and real-world experience.

He holds a B.A. in Political Science with a focus on International Affairs and Latin American & Caribbean Studies from Columbia University. He is currently pursuing a Master of International Affairs at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), concentrating on international security policy and diplomacy.