From Recon Marine to Infrastructure Leader
Matthew Hearn’s journey from the elite ranks of Marine Reconnaissance to leading teams at HNTB is a testament to the enduring power of purpose, resilience, and leadership. Enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1999, Matthew quickly rose through the ranks, serving in Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq. His role in Recon, a unit tasked with deep reconnaissance, surveillance, and direct action, demanded not only physical endurance but also strategic thinking and unwavering teamwork.
“The most valuable experiences from my service weren’t technical,” Matthew shares. “They were psychological attributes, honor, adaptability, courage, and the ability to lead ordinary people to do extraordinary things.” These traits, forged through intense training and combat, now shape his leadership style at HNTB.
Matthew’s transition into civilian life wasn’t immediate, but he found a natural fit at HNTB. His first role as a program management project manager aligned with his military experience in solving complex organizational challenges. “Leadership and backwards planning, starting with the end in mind, are second nature to me,” he says. “Those skills translate directly into project delivery and team management.”
What stood out most to Matthew was HNTB’s culture.
“Our Vision and Leadership Characteristics feel very natural to me,” he explains. “Collaboration, accountability, and mission accomplishment resonate strongly with my military values.” He also appreciates how HNTB supports personal growth while maintaining high expectations. “The company saw my drive and gave me opportunities to make a difference.”
Now over six years into his HNTB career, Matthew continues to find purpose in building American infrastructure and serving communities. His advice to fellow veterans? “The mental transition takes time, years even. Give yourself space to decompress and learn civilian expectations. Find a mission-driven organization like HNTB, and you’ll rediscover that sense of purpose.”
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