“Helping people, teams, and companies focus on their most impactful
connect strategy with execution.“
With over two decades of impact-driven leadership and consulting experience, Matt Barnes has established himself as a premier advisor, executive coach, and operations strategist dedicated to helping organizations transform complexity into clarity and opportunity. As Managing Partner and Principal Consultant of Workfast Consulting, Matt leads a veteran-owned firm that partners with organizations ranging from emerging startups to Fortune 500 companies, aligning people, process, and technology to execute bold strategic visions.
Matt’s professional journey is distinguished by a rare blend of operational excellence, hands-on leadership, and deep cross-sector expertise. At Workfast Consulting, he provides executive strategy services, frequently serving in fractional COO, CRO, or Chief of Staff roles. His portfolio spans enterprise-wide transformation initiatives, AI integration, human capital development, and digital operations optimization. Whether facilitating AI innovation workshops or redesigning workforce development strategies, Matt brings structured insight, critical thinking, and hands-on execution support to C-suite leaders navigating today’s most pressing challenges.
Before founding Workfast, Matt served as Vice President of Operations at Peak Technologies, Inc., where he successfully led the turnaround of a $50M+ division. His leadership catalyzed operational cohesion, revenue growth, and cultural transformation, demonstrating his ability to revitalize underperforming functions through intentional leadership and strategic rigor.
At TransMontaigne Partners, he led enterprise-wide operations and continuous improvement programs as Director of Operations Management. There, he managed a $100M+ budget across 50+ facilities, implemented lean methodologies, and spearheaded a renowned Manager Development Program designed to elevate internal leadership capabilities.
Matt’s experience also spans digital transformation and project delivery, including his role at PMG.net, Inc., where he directed global platform deployments across 15 countries, achieving millions in cost savings through automation and process redesign. At CH2M Hill, he managed strategic infrastructure initiatives for the Department of Defense and foreign governments, including an award-winning $5M+ capacity survey program across Iraqi airbases.
His career began in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a Lieutenant, including high-profile roles with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion SEVEN and at the Camp David Presidential Retreat. There, he demonstrated operational precision and leadership under pressure, supporting 12 Presidential visits and orchestrating complex logistics and infrastructure functions in collaboration with the White House, State Department, and Secret Service.
Academically, Matt holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech and an MBA from the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. He is also Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certified, holds the Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting (FSA) Credential, and is a Professional Engineer (inactive).
Matt Barnes is not only a seasoned operations leader and executive advisor but a servant-leader committed to building healthy cultures, empowering people, and leading with integrity. Across every chapter of his career—from military service to executive boardrooms—Matt has remained unwavering in his mission: to serve others, drive purposeful growth, and leave every organization better than he found it.
Character
Matt Barnes demonstrates unwavering integrity and a servant-leader mindset forged through two decades of leadership in the military, corporate, and consulting sectors. His career reflects a consistent commitment to operational excellence, team empowerment, and service to others, from supporting Presidential visits to guiding Fortune 500 transformations.
Knowledge
Matt combines deep operational expertise with formal education in industrial engineering and business administration, reinforced by Lean Six Sigma and sustainability credentials. His broad experience across defense, energy, technology, and consulting enables him to deliver insight-driven solutions grounded in proven methodologies.
Strategic
Matt excels in aligning vision with execution by identifying core business challenges and implementing scalable solutions that enhance performance and drive growth. Whether building executive strategies or leading enterprise-wide transformations, he brings disciplined planning and results-focused leadership to every initiative.
Communication
Matt is a skilled communicator who builds trust across all organizational levels through clarity, empathy, and decisive leadership. His ability to engage stakeholders—from frontline teams to C-suite leaders—ensures alignment, fosters collaboration, and accelerates change.
