The annual Lycoming County Memorial Day service to be held at the Lycoming County Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 11am. Keynote speaker is CAPT Matthew B. Aaron, (USN Retired), President & CEO, Special Olympics Pennsylvania.

Guest Speaker Bio:

Matthew B. Aaron is a retired Navy Captain with 24 years of active and reserve service, bringing extensive leadership and technical experience across military, corporate, and nonprofit sectors. He concluded his Navy career as Commanding Officer of the Reserve unit supporting the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Program Executive Office for Tactical Aircraft, where he successfully led a major unit merger, doubling its size and tripling mission responsibilities while delivering significant cost savings.

Previously, as Executive Officer of the Navy Reserve unit supporting the Joint Strike Fighter (F-35) Program Office, he played a vital role in supporting the largest acquisition program in Department of Defense history.

Matt’s military background includes roles as project officer, test manager, and systems engineer at the National Reconnaissance Office, where he led integration and testing efforts for a groundbreaking spacecraft system. His aviation career features over 1,300 flight hours in 27 aircraft types, nearly 100 hours of combat flight time during Operation Desert Storm, and more than 200 carrier arrested landings. He has earned multiple commendations, including the Meritorious Service Medal and two Strike/Flight Air Medals. Matt’s initial fleet assignment was with the Warhorses of Attack Squadron FIFTY-FIVE
(VA-55).

Currently, Matt serves as President and CEO of Special Olympics Pennsylvania, guiding a statewide nonprofit that offers year-round sports training and competition for over 15,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities. His leadership fosters a vibrant network of volunteers and coaches dedicated to empowering athletes. Prior to this, he held key roles at Special Olympics’ global headquarters and worked as a management consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton.
Matt holds an MBA from Yale School of Management, a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the United States Naval Academy. He is also a graduate of the US Naval Test Pilot School. Beyond his professional pursuits, he contributes to his community through board service with Catholic Social Services in Philadelphia and has held leadership roles with the Alzheimer’s Association and Our Daily Bread.