Veteran and congressional chief-of-staff to lead IAVA’s D.C.-based policy efforts

Washington D.C. (February 9, 2015) – Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization representing post-9/11 veterans and their families, this week announced the appointment of Matthew (Matt) Miller as the new Chief Policy Officer at IAVA. Miller will enhance IAVA’s federal policy efforts — including combating veteran suicide and improving health services for women veterans — and engage lawmakers, veteran service organizations and officials at the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), White House, and more to support the new greatest generation of veterans.

Miller brings more than two decades of experience in the legislative and executive branches to IAVA. He previously served in civilian and military roles in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq and Afghanistan. He is currently a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserves, where he serves as a public affairs officer. Miller served as chief-of-staff for five U.S. Congressmen to include Rep. Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), and Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas). In addition, he served in that same role in the Office of the Assistant Secretary, U.S. State Department Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement.

Most recently, Miller returned from a 10-month tour in Afghanistan, where he served as the political advisor (POLAD) to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) general charged with helping the Afghans plan and implement their 2014 presidential election.

“Matt’s extensive experience will help bring IAVA to the next level in the public policy arena,” said IAVA CEO and Founder Paul Rieckhoff. “His portfolio is outstanding. From the battlefield to the Pentagon to Capitol Hill, Matt’s experiences will help further IAVA’s objective as being the leading policy advocate for post-9/11 veterans. He is coming to IAVA at an exciting time after the Clay Hunt SAV Act has unanimously passed both the House and Senate and will soon be signed into law. Matthew has already hit the ground running!”

Over the past year, IAVA has fought for passage of the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans (SAV) Act. Last week the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the bill 99-0. The bipartisan bill, named after a Marine Corps veteran who died by suicide in 2011, will improve access to quality mental health care and combat veteran suicide.