Matthew Hunter is a retired Command Pilot and Unit Commander with over 23 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Air Force. His expertise spans a range of critical areas including aviation management, emergency services, and military operations, making him a seasoned professional in the fields of defense and government leadership. Matthew holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Liberty University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Sports Medicine from the United States Air Force Academy. His commitment to excellence in leadership, operational strategy, and team development has been consistently demonstrated throughout his career.
In his current role as Regional Operations Director for the Air Force Civilian Service, Matthew oversees grant administration for nine Civil Air Patrol (CAP) wings in the northeast region, ensuring the success of CAP’s missions in emergency services, aerospace education, and cadet programs. He also serves as a technical advisor to the Air Force Auxiliary and liaises with key federal agencies such as FEMA, furthering the mission of the Civil Air Patrol and the U.S. Department of Defense. His leadership in this role is critical to the coordination of operations that impact regional emergency preparedness and response efforts.
Previously, Matthew served as the Commander of Detachment 1 CAP-USAF, where he managed $17 million in federally funded resources, including 90 aircraft and 177 vehicles. His role required a keen understanding of aviation management, logistics coordination, and operational planning. During his tenure, he successfully redesigned CAP’s proficiency flight profiles, improved operational efficiency, and led several major training missions, including Airborne Sovereignty Alert intercepts. His efforts earned him outstanding evaluations and praise for orchestrating complex operations under challenging conditions, such as severe weather and power outages.
Matthew’s leadership acumen was further honed during his time as Chief of the Career Development Branch for Air Combat Command at Langley AFB. Here, he led the team responsible for the professional development of all Active Duty Officers, Enlisted personnel and Civilian employees, and secured millions of dollars for Professional Military Education. His contributions to leadership development and training impacted over 94,000 personnel and ensured the next generation of military leaders were well-prepared for their roles.
In addition to his military service, Matthew has extensive experience in aviation operations, having served as Chief Pilot and Standardization and Evaluations Pilot for the U.S. Air Force’s 9th Airlift Squadron. He commanded a $179 million C-5 aircraft, delivering passengers and critical cargo during major defense operations, including combat missions and humanitarian relief efforts. His operational leadership saw the airlift of 30 million pounds of cargo and the successful management of over 4,000 flying hours, including 1,200 hours in combat zones.
As Chief of the Wing Command Post, Matthew demonstrated his ability to streamline operations and improve efficiency. He integrated command, aerial port, and maintenance operations, saving nearly $200,000 annually and improving workflow by 25%. His leadership in relocating the command post without disrupting operations underscores his strategic and logistical expertise.
Throughout his career, Matthew has developed a deep understanding of the U.S. Department of Defense, emergency preparedness, and aviation operations. His leadership skills, coupled with his ability to navigate complex logistical challenges, make him a valuable asset to any organization in need of a strategic and operational leader. With a DoD Top Secret Clearance, Matthew’s expertise extends to high-level government and military operations, where trust and discretion are paramount.
Matthew is passionate about making a difference through leadership, education, and operational excellence. His ability to connect vision with execution ensures that any project he oversees is successful from both a strategic and tactical standpoint. He is now looking for new opportunities to apply his wealth of experience and leadership in aviation, emergency services, and beyond.
Character:
Matthew Hunter is a dedicated leader known for his integrity, resilience, and commitment to excellence. His military service and leadership roles have shaped him into a strong, results-driven individual with a passion for making a meaningful impact.
Knowledge:
With over two decades of experience in the U.S. Air Force, Matthew has extensive knowledge in aviation management, military operations, and emergency services. His expertise in operational planning, federal grant management, and leadership development positions him as a strategic thinker and problem-solver.
Strategic:
Matthew’s strategic acumen is evident in his ability to lead complex operations and optimize processes. His leadership in integrating operations, improving efficiency, and directing large-scale training missions has consistently delivered measurable results.
Communication:
An experienced public speaker and team leader, Matthew excels in communicating with diverse teams and stakeholders. His ability to brief, train, and mentor personnel across various disciplines demonstrates his strong communication skills.
