This is another in a series of interesting alumni profiles that focus on the professional and personal achievements of Charter Oak graduates. We hope you enjoy David Matthews' story.
David Matthews, '92
David Matthews, '92 Senior Strategic Advisor, U.S. Department of Defense Civilian Expeditionary Workforce
You simply can’t call him anything other than 'worldly'!
Meet the accomplished David Matthews, a member of Charter Oak’s Class of 1992. He grew up in Morocco, France and Turkey. Never able to pursue an undergraduate college degree as a traditional student, he earned his BS in Political Science from Charter Oak in 1992. "Without Charter Oak," he says, "it would not have been possible for me to accomplish what I have to date. I am so grateful."
And 'accomplish' he has! Begin with February, this year, when he arrived in Kabul, Afghanistan to begin his deployment to the International Security Assistance Force Headquarters – part of the U.S. Department of Defense Civilian Expeditionary Workforce – where he serves as the primary expert of Economics and Development and is involved with counterinsurgency strategies. Prior to that: a two year stint with the Department of State as Senior Economic Advisor/Team Lead for the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Diyala Province, Iraq.
Following his Charter Oak educational experience, David earned an MCF in Public and International Affairs at Princeton. Most of his career has been spent in the private sector managing business operations that include construction, redevelopment, land use and manufacturing. He has additionally served as management consultant, negotiator and investment advisor to numerous business entities. He 'took a break' from the business world in the mid-90s to serve as Country Director for the Peace Corps in the Kyrgyzstan capital of Bishkek.
And with all this career activity, where, you may ask, has he found time to become an instrument-rated pilot for aircraft and balloon; to sail with the Soviet team in the Whitbred Round of the World Race (now known as the Volvo Ocean Race); to climb Kilimanjaro, Huascran and Rainer; and to become an accomplished woodworker, rower and skier?
We’d like to think it's all a result of his Charter Oak blood line!
(NOTE: If you are interested in sharing your success story with us, please contact Chuck Albert at the College. He can be reached via e-mail: calbert@charteroak.edu.)
