Matthew Zandbergen
Alexandria ,VA
Summary
Motivated policy specialist with a strong foundation in technical systems, including legacy and next-generation naval weapon and satellite systems. Recognized for clear communication skills and professionalism within government circles. Eager to leverage extensive expertise in a new career path that embraces innovative challenges and opportunities for growth. Committed to driving impactful solutions through strategic policy development and collaboration.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
International Relations Specialist
NOAA
10.2023 - Current
- A former Presidential Management Fellow serving as an International Relations Specialist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA), National Environmental Satellite and Information Service (NESDIS).
- Primarily responsible for coordinating and facilitating international agreements and partnerships with foreign Satellite and Meteorological Agencies in support of the NESDIS mission to provide operational data and weather products for the United States and global partners. Current area of expertise is with East Asia satellite agencies from Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and China and have additional experience with European partners.
- Required to have a complex understanding of satellite operations, architecture, ground support and atmospheric science to facilitate the appropriate connections between foreign partners.
- Represented NOAA at international meetings and applied knowledge of U.S. and foreign national space, earth observations, national security, science and technology policy to prepare reports, briefing materials, position papers, and correspondence for senior NESDIS and NOAA leadership.
- Supported Senior Leadership in industry meetings with Civil Space commercial providers including BAE, L3Harris, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman as well as commercial data providers.
- Coordinated with interagency stakeholders from the State Department, NASA, United States Geological Survey, Department of War, and the White House to advance the United States space diplomacy, ensuring collaboration between technical agencies.
Foreign Affairs Officer
Department of State
08.2022 - 10.2023
- Foreign Affairs Officer in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs - Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs (OES/OPA) responsible for coordinating with the National Security Council and Senior Foreign Service Officers to advance a 2022 initiative for a more secure and prosperous Atlantic Ocean.
- A primary coordinator, decision maker, and point of contact for incoming actions regarding the Atlantic Cooperation Initiative from Departmental offices, U.S. embassies, other U.S. government (USG) agencies, international organizations, foreign governments, non-governmental organizations, and other sources. Partnered with Senior Foreign Service Officers to conduct bilateral engagements with foreign governments and U.S. embassy officials to determine the high equity areas for a future Atlantic Cooperation partnership launched in Q4 2023.
- Evaluated current international developments related to Ocean Policy and analyzed how these might impact current State Department projects in the Atlantic. Provided informational consultations and orientations to colleagues and officials in the Department and the interagency.
- Drafted reports, strategic recommendations, white papers, and briefing papers for senior State Department leadership.
Division Officer
US Navy
10.2017 - 11.2019
- A Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) and Weapon Division Officer station in Bath, ME and San Diego, CA.
- #1 of 4 Division Officers: In charge of 14 employees responsible for the operation and maintenance of all next generation Anti-Submarine and Land Attack equipment on a Zumwalt Class Destroyer.
- The primary Deck Officer on the maiden voyage of a newly commissioned Zumwalt Class Destroyer from Bath, Maine to San Diego, California. Responsible for training new officers on the technical capabilities of the new weapon and navigation systems.
- A primary liaison for various Department of Defense contractors for the installation and testing of Anti-Submarine and Land Attack weapon systems during an extended yard period.
- Coordinated the installation and operation of the first-ever Surface Acoustic Analysis Project developed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center.
Division Officer
US Navy
06.2015 - 09.2017
- A Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) and Weapon Division Officer stationed in Yokosuka, Japan.
- #2 of 13 Division Officers: Supervised a division of 20 sailors responsible for the employment, operation, and maintenance of Anti-Surface, Anti-Air, and Land Attack weapon systems and radars on an Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer including the Vertical Launch System and AEGIS Weapon System.
- Participated in and coordinated joint and multilateral exercises with Japanese and Korean naval counterparts in support of countering North Korean and Chinese threats in the Western Pacific.
- Trained in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and conducted Freedom of Navigation operations in contested waters in the Western Pacific.
- Qualified Deck Officer responsible for the safety of navigation and charged with training junior officers in maritime regulations and following international law.
- Hand-selected to test and implement new Tomahawk Land Attack Missile technology and software for future installation on US warships.
- Planned a successful live missile launch with Japanese military partners, supporting bilateral relations between the two navies.
- Led a team of Land Attack Missile technicians in dozens of training scenarios simulating various Land Attack strikes against potential adversaries in the Western Pacific.
Education
Master of Arts - Geospatial Technology
Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts, MA12-2021
Bachelor of Arts - History
George Fox University
Newberg, OR05-2013
Skills
- US Navy -Anti-Submarine Warfare Evaluator School - 2018
- US Navy -Advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare School - 2018
- US Navy -AEGIS Weapon System and SPY RADAR School - 2017
- US Navy -Ballistic Missile Watch Officer School - 2017
- US Navy -Land Attack Missile Watch Officer School - 2015
Certification
Project Management Professional (PMP)- #2748240
Timeline
International Relations Specialist
NOAA
10.2023 - Current
Foreign Affairs Officer
Department of State
08.2022 - 10.2023
Division Officer
US Navy
10.2017 - 11.2019
Division Officer
US Navy
06.2015 - 09.2017
Master of Arts - Geospatial Technology
Northeastern University
Bachelor of Arts - History
George Fox University