June 30, 2026 – Washington, D.C. — The Commercial Space Federation (CSF) announced today that Matthew Williams, a former Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense and Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Air Force, will join the association as Senior Advisor, National Security. Matthew is joining CSF to help us advance the role of commercial space in our national security programs.
Mr. Williams is a national security policy professional with more than 15 years of experience in the Department of Defense, the U.S. Senate, and U.S. Intelligence Community. As Chief of Staff to the 26th Secretary of the Air Force, he oversaw the operations of the Department of the Air Force headquarters and advised senior civilian and military leaders on all matters affecting the U.S. Space Force and U.S. Air Force, including policy, program, budget, and personnel issues.
“As the national security enterprise increasingly depends on commercial space capabilities, Matthew brings a real depth of experience from the Pentagon, Capitol Hill, and the Intelligence Community to our members,” said Dave Cavossa, President, CSF.
Matthew also served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Senate Affairs, and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Legislative Affairs. As one of the Department’s primary Congressional liaisons, he worked closely with members and staff to secure authorization of the Department’s annual agenda and budget, as well as confirmation of civilian nominations. He is a recipient of the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service and the Department of the Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service.
Earlier in his career, he served as National Security Advisor to two U.S. Senators and as an Intelligence Analyst at the National Security Agency. Matthew holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Florida. He is also a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security and a member of the Maryland Veterans Home Commission.
About CSF
Founded in 2006, CSF and its members are laying the foundation for democratizing access to outer space for scientists, students, civilians, and businesses, while working toward the goal of expanding the U.S. Commercial Space Economy. Through the promotion of technological innovation, CSF and its diverse membership are guiding the bolstering of U.S. leadership in aerospace and inspiring America’s next generation of engineers and explorers. CSF also serves as the commercial space industry’s primary advocate with the U.S. Congress and the Administration, helping inform the development and implementation of policy priorities.
