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.
