Dr. Matt Clark serves as the Assistant Director for Research, Development, and Acquisition, Component Acquisition Executive, and Senior Procurement Executive for the Defense Health Agency. In this role, he manages research and development, acquisition, and contracting functions for the Military Health System. He leads the establishment of the Agency's acquisition framework and the implementation of tailored acquisition principles to deliver medical products and services in support of readiness and military health care missions. Clark oversees a diverse portfolio exceeding $7 billion in medical products, devices, equipment, and services.
Clark brings more than 26 years of international experience spanning science, technology, education, defense, and global public health. His work has focused on preparedness, readiness, resilience, and the translation of research into operational medical capabilities. He concluded uniformed service as Commander of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) Healthcare Facility and Brussels Army Health Clinic in Mons, Belgium, supporting NATO.
Previously, he served as the Joint Project Manager and Chief Executive for the medical portfolio at the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense. Clark also served as Senior Policy Advisor and Director of COVID-19 International Response Operations at the White House, following his service as Lead Program Manager for all seven vaccine teams under Operation Warp Speed.
Across his career, Clark has led the development of more than 13 FDA-approved products supporting biodefense and global health security. Clark’s acquisition and program-management experience includes leadership of complex medical research, development, and acquisition portfolios supporting defense readiness, biodefense, and global health security. His work has informed U.S., NATO, and European Union efforts in resilience, supply chains, biosecurity, and health security. He is a recipient of multiple international awards, including a Gold Edison Award for product development innovation.
Clark is a distinguished graduate of Coe College and holds a Ph.D. in behavioral and neural sciences from Rutgers University and a Master of Strategic Studies with distinction from the U.S. Army War College. He also holds an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Coe College. He has authored two books, eight book chapters, and more than 45 peer-reviewed scientific and professional articles.