matthew palumbo

Marine Corps, Aviation
Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
Boston, Massachusetts

Matt spent 9 years active duty in the Marine Corps as an AH-1W Cobra helicopter pilot as well as a forward air controller (FAC) with an infantry unit. During his time on active duty Matt deployed twice to Helmand Province, Afghanistan and once aboard the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Matt left active duty in 2015 to attend graduate school and has continued to serve in the Marine Corps Reserves. He is currently serving as brigade platoon commander with 2 nd Platoon, 4 th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO) and has earned the rank of Major.

Since 2019, Matt has served as a project manager at Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) where he works in the autonomy portfolio to bring commercial solutions to the DoD. Prior to this role he worked in the renewable energy sector.

In his spare time he likes to train jiu-jitsu, paint, swim, bike, run and hike. He also volunteers as an election center poll worker and fundraises as an Endurance Team Athlete for The Wingman Foundation.

Matt is a 2006 graduate of the University of New Hampshire and has an M.A.L.D from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.