Matt Newland – Class of 1988
CDR Matthew Newland is an officer is the US Public Health Service (USPHS) currently serving as an Influenza Program Officer at the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR). He analyzes and proposes influenza and emerging infectious disease policies for coordination among Federal agencies and partners to develop vaccine stockpiles. CDR Newland provides critical COVID-19 and influenza updates for BARDA leadership for engagement with stakeholders and Congress to respond to seasonal flu and pandemic gaps.
CDR Newland has served in the US Federal Government for 19 years demonstrating leadership throughout his career. His proactive engagement cultivates networks of partnerships including subject matter experts from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), State Department, Department of Defense (DoD), and the USPHS across multiple disciplines including HIV, Personnel, and influenza and emerging infectious diseases. CDR Newland guided community-based organizations as a Public Health Analyst in the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program to provide critically needed medical care and treatment services to underserved populations. He also led twinning activities, policy analyses, and Quality Improvement (QI) initiatives in the President’s Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Office of Global Affairs, and State Department. In all positions, he scientifically analyzed programs to inform design and implementation to achieve goals providing care and treatment services to people with HIV/AIDS throughout the world.
CDR Newland has a Doctorate in Medical Sociology and also a Masters in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Hawaii at Mano‘a. He has another Masters in Asian Studies from the University of Oregon focusing on Thailand. He also completed a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from George Washington University in 2013. He graduated from St. Olaf College in 1992 majoring in Sociology and Asian Studies and was an international student in Thailand at Chiang Mai University where he lived with a Thai host family, and studied the Thai language, Buddhism, and culture.
He graduated from Burke High School in June, 1988 and his favorite memories are engaging with fellow classmates in JROTC, the Bicycling Club, and performing in plays and musicals his Senior Year. His most influential teachers were Mitch Hansen and Sharon Kelly who taught English his Junior and Senior year respectively. CDR Newland also earned his Eagle Scout in 1986 and participated in the National Jamboree in Washington DC and the World Jamboree in Australia. In his free time, CDR Newland enjoys hiking, camping, travel, cooking, playing guitar and piano, and ballroom dancing.
