Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Matthew Gaskins

Las Cruces

Summary

Dynamic leader with extensive experience in federal and state government, agricultural policy, and rural economic development. Proven ability to manage multi-million-dollar federal programs, build coalitions across government, tribal nations, community stakeholders, and industry, and deliver initiatives that strengthen rural communities. Skilled at aligning federal resources with local needs, driving sustainable growth, and advocating for producers and rural residents. Recognized for strategic planning, policy development, and commitment to improving the quality of life in rural America.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Contract Support Specialist

U.S. Department of Defense, Army Test and Evaluation Command
11.2024 - Current
  • Provide full lifecycle contract support for major acquisitions valued between $38 million and $500 million, including planning, solicitation, award, and administration of complex service and support contracts.
  • Directly engage with the Test Director, ATEC Commander, and G8 Director to align acquisition strategies with mission priorities, funding availability, and operational testing requirements.
  • Translate high-level mission objectives into actionable procurement packages by collaborating closely with test engineers, technical leads, and senior command staff.
  • Prepare and present acquisition briefings, contract execution updates, and funding alignment reports to senior leadership, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making.
  • Lead coordination efforts between the contracting office and ATEC headquarters to accelerate procurement timelines for high-urgency test missions.

Contract Specialist

U.S. Department of Defense – Mission and Installation Contracting Command
12.2021 - 11.2024
  • Worked with the Contracting Officer on multi-million-dollar, multi-year Technical Service Contracts supporting national defense Test, Evaluation, and Capability initiatives.
  • Ensure fiscal accountability and compliance in procurement strategies, overseeing acquisitions ranging from $250 thousand to $100 million.
  • Serve as liaison between government and private contractors, fostering collaboration and ensuring mission success.
  • Mentor and train new federal acquisition professionals, strengthening workforce capacity.
  • Developed acquisition timelines and strategic plans that improved efficiency and accountability in federal program delivery.

Program Manager

New Mexico Department of Agriculture
09.2017 - 12.2021
  • Directed federal-state cooperative agreements for the FDA, securing funding and ensuring successful program delivery across New Mexico.
  • Designed and implemented the state’s Food Safety regulatory program for the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), supporting compliance while safeguarding small and mid-sized producers.
  • Advocated on behalf of New Mexico producers during federal rulemaking, successfully influencing USDA and FDA water regulations to protect rural farmers.
  • Partnered with NMSU Extension, producer groups, and advocacy organizations to provide statewide training programs—benefiting hundreds of rural producers at no cost.
  • Represented NMDA on federal, state, and local task forces, ensuring rural and agricultural priorities were addressed in policymaking.
  • Built and maintained strong relationships with producers, tribal leaders, industry, and government partners to advance rural economic development.

Business Analyst

Grimmway Farms
09.2015 - 12.2016
  • Conducted operational and harvest analysis across four states, improving efficiency and supporting agricultural production.
  • Designed cost-saving logistics strategies, reducing freight costs by 27% and increasing farm-to-market efficiency.
  • Streamlined invoicing and accounts payable processes, improving vendor relations and cutting payment cycles.
  • Produced labor and resource allocation reports supporting regional agricultural production in rural areas.

Education

Master of Science - Agricultural Economics (Agribusiness)

New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM

Master of Business Administration - MBA

New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM

Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing (Sports Marketing specialization)

New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM

Skills

  • Rural Economic & Community Development
  • Federal & State Program Oversight
  • Strategic Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Fiscal Accountability & Budget Management
  • Agricultural Policy & Regulatory Affairs
  • Grant, Loan, and Cooperative Agreement Management
  • Public Speaking, Advocacy, and Media Relations
  • Intergovernmental & Tribal Relations

Certification

  • Defense Acquisition University- DoD Army Contracting Professional
  • Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic
  • FEMA National Incident Management System- ICS 100, 200, 300.

Timeline

Contract Support Specialist

U.S. Department of Defense, Army Test and Evaluation Command
11.2024 - Current

Contract Specialist

U.S. Department of Defense – Mission and Installation Contracting Command
12.2021 - 11.2024

Program Manager

New Mexico Department of Agriculture
09.2017 - 12.2021

Business Analyst

Grimmway Farms
09.2015 - 12.2016

Master of Business Administration - MBA

New Mexico State University

Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing (Sports Marketing specialization)

New Mexico State University

Master of Science - Agricultural Economics (Agribusiness)

New Mexico State University

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Matthew Gaskins