The Colonel

Matthew "Smitty" Smith

Matthew "Matt" Smith is a retired US Air Force combat aviator with over 28 years of service, where he attained the rank of Colonel and successfully led large, complex organizations both in combat and in peacetime. He has successfully served as an Air Battle Manager on multiple aircraft and systems.

He commanded two squadrons, a test and evaluation group, and while serving at the Pentagon was selected to be a Service Chief Fellow with DARPA, helping develop next generation capabilities. Additionally, Matt was a distinguished graduate from the prestigious U.S. Air Force Weapons School (TOP GUN).

Matt understands how to assemble and lead diverse, cross-functional, high performing teams. His vast experience also includes academia where he served as the Commander of the US Air Force ROTC detachment, Professor of Aerospace Studies, and Dean of College of National Services at Norwich University, our nation’s oldest private military college.


For the last four years his body of work has also included running a yearly event called the AirPeyton Memorial where critical funds are raised to support pediatric cancer research and support families battling cancer.

To date, he and his wife have led an effort in memory of their son that has surpassed $100K. He has also successfully run the Boston Marathon twice, also in memory of his son.


Matt entered the military in 1993 after earning his commission through ROTC at the University of New Hampshire. He holds advanced degrees in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma, Joint Campaign Planning and Strategy from the Joint Advanced Warfighting School, and Security Studies from the Army War College. Matt resides in Vermont with his wife. They have two sons.


If you want to know more about Matt's story and how it can help your leadership journey, you can send an email to Matt at [email protected]