Matt Bonner

Matt Bonner has a diverse work experience spanning several roles and companies. Matt is currently working as a Senior Consultant at Ventus Solutions (VES) since 2022. Prior to this, they served as a Presiding Officer at the SECNAV Council of Review Boards (CORB)/Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) from 2019 to 2021, where they conducted adjudication of medical fitness and continued service for Navy/Marine Corps service members.

In 2018, Matt Bonner was appointed as the Commodore of the Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron TWO at the Military Sealift Command. During their tenure, they commanded a squadron of 12 Military Sealift Command vessels and ensured their readiness for global operations.

From 2015 to 2018, Bonner held the position of Deputy Director, J2/5 Intelligence, Plans, and Security at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. Matt led a 300-person team in analyzing and countering weapons of mass destruction while also overseeing a significant budget increase and talent retention initiatives.

Before that, from 2013 to 2015, they served as the Assistant Deputy Director for Operations at the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In this role, they provided strategic warning and analysis of world events to principal advisors of the President of the United States.

Bonner's work experience in the US Navy includes serving as the Commanding Officer of USS CONSTITUTION, the country's ship of state, from 2011 to 2013. Matt managed various aspects of the ship's operations and successfully planned and executed its first unassisted sail in over 131 years.

Furthermore, Bonner worked at the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as a JPME Policy Planner (J-7) from 2008 to 2011. In the US Navy, they held roles such as Executive Officer of USS FARRAGUT (DDG 99), Deputy of Anti Terrorism & Force Protection, CBRN Defense Requirements Branch (OPNAV N76), Chief Engineer of USS LEYTE GULF (CG 55), and Chief Engineer of USS NICHOLAS (FFG 47) between 1999 and 2007.

Their earlier naval experience includes serving as Navigator/Admin Department Head of USS PENSACOLA (LSD 38) and Electical/Auxiliaries Officer of USS NORMANDY (CG 60) from 1994 to 1997.

Matt Bonner attended Chaminade High School for their secondary education, although the specific dates are unknown. Matt then went on to receive their Bachelor of Arts degree in History from The Citadel, where they studied from 1989 to 1993. In 2007 to 2008, they pursued further education at the U.S. Naval War College, earning their Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. Additionally, in 2017 to 2018, Bonner attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a Seminar XXI Fellow, although the specific field of study is not mentioned.