Matthew E. Chapman
Arnold,MD
Summary
Operations executive with 27+ years leading high-risk, high-reliability organizations across defense and advanced technology environments. Proven track record of turning around underperforming operations, scaling teams, and delivering measurable improvements in performance, safety, and efficiency. Experienced leading $B-scale assets, complex programs, and cross-functional teams, with strengths in operational execution, workforce development, and continuous improvement.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Business Development
Oceaneering Technologies
Hannover, MD
09.2023 - Current
- Built and scaled a high-performing cross-functional team to enhance execution discipline and decision-making across organization.
- Reorganized workflows, roles, and governance processes to boost efficiency and accountability in operations.
- Led execution of multiple high-value initiatives, demonstrating capability with a $20 million initial award and $100s of millions in potential growth. Led Proposal Evaluation for largest single award in company history.
- Implemented structured reporting and communication systems that accelerated decision-making and improved cross-team coordination.
- Strengthened customer engagement and operational positioning in U.S. and international markets to expand growth opportunities.
- Managed $550-$850 million federal defense pipeline in subsea autonomy and advanced maritime mission systems.
- Developed strategic teaming agreements with prime contractors and non-traditional vendors to enhance competitive positioning.
Head of Navy Officer Policy & Plans
United States Navy
Arlington, VA
01.2022 - 08.2023
- Directed workforce and operational planning for 50,000 personnel, aligning capability with budget and mission needs.
- Identified $242 million in cost savings while preserving operational effectiveness through resource allocation improvements.
- Enhanced workforce forecasting accuracy by 30% via predictive analytics and data-driven planning models.
- Reversed multi-year retention decline by reallocating $32 million and implementing targeted workforce strategies.
- Managed an $85 million budget with zero discrepancies, ensuring robust financial governance.
Deputy Head – Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program
United States Navy
Arlington, VA
01.2020 - 12.2022
- Architected retention strategy and reallocated $32M, reversing 5 years of underperformance
- Oversaw $85M program enhancing support for ~15,000 nuclear-trained personnel
- Achieved recognition as one of 11 audited staffs with zero financial discrepancies
Senior Board Member – Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board (Pacific)
United States Navy
Honolulu, HI
03.2017 - 12.2020
- Provided engineering readiness and nuclear oversight for the U.S. Pacific Fleet, including 7 aircraft carriers and 34 submarines supporting more than 8,000 personnel
- Boosted inspection productivity by 20% through strategic data-driven planning and workload management
- Improved emergency energy operations efficiency by 15%
- Mentored senior leaders across the Pacific region to develop technical leadership skills
Commanding Officer – USS ALABAMA (SSBN-731)
United States Navy
Bangor, WA
05.2015 - 02.2017
- Directed operations, maintenance, quality logistics, and workforce performance for $3B strategic asset, managing 170 personnel with a Navy ~$110M operational budget and $20M+ inventory.
- Following 8 years of lagging performance, selected to transform team into top-ranked unit among 14-team fleet through high-risk turnaround leadership.
- Achieved 30% performance improvement in six months and 60% over two years through structured execution.
- Led only team of 14 to complete all major maintenance cycles ahead or on schedule, increasing operational availability.
- Redesigned training and decision frameworks to eliminate safety failures, achieving zero safety stand-downs in two years.
- Cultivated high-reliability operating culture focused on transparency and disciplined execution.
- Team received Trident Submarine Outstanding Performance Trophy in 2017 and Omaha Trophy in 2018 for top ranking among strategic submarines.
- Enhanced engineering performance by 30% in six months and 60% over two years.
Education
B.S. - Physics (Highest Honors)
United States Naval Academy
Annapolis, MDM.A. - Security Policy Studies
George Washington University
Washington, DCGraduate‑level - Engineering And Reactor Operations Program
Naval Nuclear Power School
Charleston, SCSkills
- Operations leadership and execution
- Organizational turnarounds
- Program management
- Workforce development and culture transformation
- Continuous improvement and root cause analysis
- Compliance and quality systems
- Resource and budget management
- Cross-functional team leadership
Region
Baltimore-DC Area
Websites
Earlier Roles
- Executive Officer, USS MICHIGAN (SSGN 727), Bremerton, WA
- Deputy for Special Operations, U.S. Sixth Fleet, Naples, Italy
- Department Head, USS San Juan (SSN 751), Groton, CT
- Program Manager, U.S. Strategic Command, Omaha, NE
- Assistant Professor of Naval Science, George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
- Energy Production & Operations Manager (2001 Junior Officer of the Year), Bangor, WA
Clearance
Active DoD Top Secret Clearance, SCI Eligible, Poly
Timeline
Director of Business Development
Oceaneering Technologies
09.2023 - Current
Head of Navy Officer Policy & Plans
United States Navy
01.2022 - 08.2023
Deputy Head – Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program
United States Navy
01.2020 - 12.2022
Senior Board Member – Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board (Pacific)
United States Navy
03.2017 - 12.2020
Commanding Officer – USS ALABAMA (SSBN-731)
United States Navy
05.2015 - 02.2017
B.S. - Physics (Highest Honors)
United States Naval Academy
M.A. - Security Policy Studies
George Washington University
Graduate‑level - Engineering And Reactor Operations Program
Naval Nuclear Power School