Matthew Kilbane serves as Director of Legislation for the Maryland Veterans Chamber of Commerce. A former U.S. Army Ordnance Officer and Infantry NCO, he completed more than 20 years of military service across the United States Army, United States Army Reserve, and the South Carolina Army National Guard. His service included operations with the Afghanistan Police Mentor Team in Khost Province, where he helped develop local police capacity, managed interpreter support, and supported operational communications. He later served in Kosovo as a Battalion Logistics Officer, overseeing sustainment, transportation, supply, maintenance, and multinational coordination across six locations in support of more than 200 personnel.  Additionally, Matthew has coordinated with and executed joint military operations within Thailand and Mexico, enabling Operation Cobra Gold and MDMP training for counter-cartel operations.

 

During his military career, Matthew held leadership roles spanning Infantry Team and Squad Leader, defense support of civil authorities (DSCA) C-CMRF specialist, platoon leader, executive officer, Combined-Arms Battalion (CAB) logistics and maintenance officer, Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) maintenance officer, and executive command support for NATO allies. He directed personnel, organizational safety, fleet readiness, equipment accountability, and multimillion-dollar logistics operations, including the movement of personnel and equipment across oceans in coordination with international partners.

 

His military honors include the Combat and Expert Infantry Badges, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, NATO Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Driver and Mechanic Badge w/Wheeled Vehicle Clasp, Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, and numerous other national and international artifacts of recognition. He brings that mission-first perspective to advancing legislative priorities and business opportunities for Maryland’s veteran community; Mission first, Soldiers always.