Matt Zimmerman's, MetroStar's VP of National Security, has been named a 2024 Top Exec to Watch by WashingtonExec. His journey into national security was rooted in his love for technology and a drive to make an impact. With a degree in computer science and a master's from Johns Hopkins, Matt initially pursued a technical path.
"I've always been fascinated by how quickly technology changes," Zimmerman said. "In the beginning, I was hands-on with engineering and really enjoyed that. However, as my career evolved, I moved into project and program management. Now, I lead a portfolio, and while I sometimes miss the technical side, the opportunity to influence larger-scale operations is equally rewarding."
It was at the U.S. Department of State that Matt found his true calling in national security. "Something clicked," he said. "I knew from the moment I started working with the State Department that this was where I belonged."
His commitment to national security and his role at MetroStar in supporting the State Department—a partnership that has thrived for the last fourteen years under his leadership—proves why he was named an Exec to Watch.
Understanding Customers and Employees
As the head of his portfolio, Zimmerman's primary focus is ensuring his employees and customers have the tools and resources they need to succeed.
"Taking care of employees is essential. If they're equipped and supported, they can deliver for our customers," he said. "And understanding the challenges our customers face is crucial. You have to really listen to them, figure out where they are struggling, and identify opportunities where we can help."
This customer-centric approach helped him secure a major contract with the State Department, a significant win for his team and one of the highlights of his career. Over the past few years, his team has consistently delivered high customer satisfaction ratings with strong CPARS evaluations.
"We've also had three promotions within my group in last year alone," he said. "It's a testament to how hard everyone has worked, and the results are reflected in the feedback we're getting from the customer."
Navigating Emerging Threats in National Security
Zimmerman's leadership extends beyond managing day-to-day operations. In a fast-changing security environment, he remains vigilant about emerging threats.
"The national security landscape is always evolving, and we need to stay ahead of the curve," he said.
Whether it's the rise of cyber threats or geopolitical shifts, his team is focused on proactive strategies to mitigate risks and capitalize on new opportunities. A vital part of that strategy involves staying connected to the technology and people behind these initiatives.
"An empathy approach is pretty important," he said. "You need to listen to both your customers and your employees. Listening is often overlooked but critical to successful leadership. And sometimes, you have to roll up your sleeves and help where needed, even when you're no longer the technical SME."
The Role of Technology in the Future of National Security
For Zimmerman, the future of national security is intertwined with technological advancements. "Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, digital transformation—these are the tools that will shape the next generation of national security," he said. We can implement AI across all our contracts. These new implementations will continue automating processes and improving efficiency, allowing people to focus on more strategic tasks."
However, he remains cautious, emphasizing the importance of "trusted AI" solutions. His team is working to ensure that AI and other technologies are deployed in secure, ethical, and practical ways across the board.
A Vision for the Future
As Matt continues to lead his team at MetroStar, his vision is clear: support his people, deliver for his customers, and stay ahead of emerging threats. He balances this with empathy and a drive to harness the latest technologies to improve national security efforts. His ability to navigate the complexities of the security landscape while maintaining solid relationships with his team and clients sets him apart as a leader.
Read his WashingtonExec Feature and be named a Top Executive.