Matthew A. Chaney is a driven and visionary leader, dedicated to serving his community and country in new and impactful ways. In 2022, Matt took over as President of Veteran Air from its founder, Kevin Henault, with a mission to elevate the skilled trades and expand employment opportunities for the middle class in the community. Initially serving as General Manager, Matt quickly set about expanding the company’s services to include residential plumbing, drains, and electrical work, positioning Veteran Air as the premier service provider and an employer of choice in the Sarasota- Bradenton area.
Under Matt’s leadership, Veteran Air has deepened its ties to the local community through a variety of service projects and Veteran-centric sponsorships. One of his proudest initiatives is supporting the Sarasota Honor Flight. This program honors veterans by providing them with all-expenses-paid trips to visit their respective memorials in Washington, D.C. In addition, Matt has championed youth programs that aim to inspire and engage the next generation, further solidifying Veteran Air’s commitment to community service.
Before taking the helm at Veteran Air, Matt served over 21 years in the United States Army, primarily as part of the elite US Army Special Forces. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after a distinguished military career that included eight deployments across the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe. During his final deployment, Matt commanded Special Operations Task Force-52 in Afghanistan, overseeing all Special Forces operations throughout the country until the U.S. withdrawal of forces in 2021. His leadership in high-stakes environments earned him respect and admiration from his peers and subordinates alike. In recognition of his extraordinary military service, Matt has been featured in Oliver North’s book Heroes of Special Operations and the National Geographic documentary Retrograde. He was also honored by West Point as the 2016 recipient of the prestigious Nininger Award for Valor. His military decorations include the Silver Star and Purple Heart, reflecting his bravery and sacrifice in combat. Following his military career, Matt became deeply involved with several non-profit organizations, focusing on the evacuation and resettlement of Afghan allies and assisting U.S. veterans in their transition to civilian life. His commitment to service extends beyond the battlefield, demonstrating a continued dedication to supporting both the veterans’ community and those who have been affected by war. Matt’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a Master’s degree in Public Policy with a focus on Economic Development from the University of Chicago. His academic achievements have equipped him with a deep understanding of economic systems and policy, further enhancing his ability to lead Veteran Air toward sustainable growth and success.
Matt currently resides in the same community he serves, with his wife and their three boys. His commitment to his family mirrors his dedication to his work, and he remains passionate about creating opportunities for others while fostering a culture of integrity, respect, and excellence within Veteran Air.
