Matthew J. Kowalski
North Chelmsford
Summary
A former firefighter and Veteran with a strong passion and determination for strengthening the Veteran and First Responder communities. Nearly two decades of experience in leadership, operations, and coordination of complex workflow and logistics. Maintains a rapid trajectory of growth in positions of increasing leadership and accountability. Compassionate and empathetic to the struggles and needs of the Veteran and First Responder communities and continues to be a collective voice for them.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Veteran Service Officer
Town Of Dracut MA
11.2024 - 08.2025
- Ch. 115 Benefits
- Disability compensation
- Pensions
- Education and training
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Burial and survivor benefits
- Home loan eligibility
- VA health care services
Outreach Specialist, Case Manager, and Veteran's Court Liaison
Veterans Northeast Outreach Center
03.2024 - 10.2024
- Responsible for the initiation, planning, and execution of community outreach events to include marketing materials, correspondence, staff coordination, and everyday logistics
- Actively meets in person with numerous Veteran nonprofit organizations creating partnerships to ensure no Veterans need go unmet.
- Peer support weekly for Veterans Court, Lawrence MA.
- Weekly peer support with the Hidden Battles Foundation
Fire Lieutenant
Beverly Fire Department
09.2002 - 06.2019
- Assigned firefighters to strategic locations to facilitate the rescue of persons and maximize the application of extinguishing agents
- Assess the nature and extent of the fire, condition of the building and danger to adjacent structures to determine crew requirements
- Provide emergency medical services as determined
- Drills fire department personnel in firefighting duties, medical care, HAZMAT response, and fire prevention
- Responsible for the maintaining records of personnel, accidents, equipment, and supplies.
Education
Diploma -
Beverly High School
Beverly, MABA Program - Social Work
North Shore Community College
Danvers, MA09.2025
Skills
- Data Analysis
- Project Outreach
- Plans Team Leadership
- Community Outreach
- Complex Problem Solving
- Conflict Resolution
- Advanced Computer Skills
- Strategic Direction
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Risk Management
- Detail-Oriented
- Public Speaking and Presentation
Certification
- Basic EMT training
- Non-Commissioned Basic Leader Course
- HAZMAT Technician Certification
- Dive Search and Rescue Certification
Timeline
Veteran Service Officer
Town Of Dracut MA
11.2024 - 08.2025
Outreach Specialist, Case Manager, and Veteran's Court Liaison
Veterans Northeast Outreach Center
03.2024 - 10.2024
Fire Lieutenant
Beverly Fire Department
09.2002 - 06.2019
Diploma -
Beverly High School
BA Program - Social Work
North Shore Community College
Military experience
- United States Marine Corps Reserve, Infantryman, 06/10/1996, 12/31/2000
- United States Army, Infantryman, 01/01/2000, 12/31/2014
Deployments
- Bosnia Herzegovina, 2001 - 2002
- Guantanamo Bay Cuba, 2003 - 2004
- Iraq, 2007 - 2008
- Afghanistan, 2010 - 2011
Awards
Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Companion Star, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, NATO Medal