Matthew Shumka
Summary
- Dedicated leader with over 15 years of proven command and staff experience. My professional skill-set focuses on leadership, training and operational planning, policy implementation, and personnel management.
- I have planned, participated in, and led inter-agency/governmental operations within Canada and abroad, and have led diverse teams to deliver creative and effective results in a variety of challenging environments.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Officer Commanding
Canadian Armed Forces
07.2022 - Current
- Led B Squadron, Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) on the first rotation of Canadian tanks on an expeditionary mission (Operation REASSURANCE) in 13 years.
- Oversaw the deployment of personnel and equipment from Canada to Latvia.
- Accountable for team of 120 personnel across multiple trades.
- Responsible for the planning and execution of soldiers' training, maintenance of organizational cohesion, morale, and discipline, and ensure both the efficiency and operational readiness of their equipment.
- Specialized in being a problem solver and making recommendation to senior leadership.
- Adhered to Federal, Provincial and Regional policies and protocols.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with staff in unit and with higher headquarters.
- Supervised work of junior team members, evaluated performance and produced detailed performance reports.
- Maintain an engaging work environment for team members through effective coaching and critical conversations.
- Managed $176 M of equipment and tooling, and maintained responsibility with zero losses.
- Communicate and behave in a way that promotes a unified team and represents institutional values and ethos.
- Play a key role in implementing projects and programs.
Executive Assistant to Division Commander
Canadian Armed Forces
06.2021 - 07.2022
- 3rd Canadian Division Headquarters Front-office Team Lead.
- Aided the Chief of Staff to coordinate staff administration and operations within the senior headquarters.
- Managed schedule for the Command Team, balancing local and National priorities.
- Drafted, reviewed and sent communications on behalf of the Command Team.
- Organized and prepared meetings, including gathering documents and attending to logistics of meeting.
- Answered and responded to phone calls, communicated messages and information to/for the Command Team.
- Prioritized emails and responded when necessary to national and regional headquarters, as well as to key civilian stakeholders within our sphere of influence.
- Maintained various records and documents for Command Team to include management of media requests and access to information requests.
- Planned and coordinated logistical support for domestic and international travel and participation and professional conferences.
- Implemented document management solutions with primary focus on document control, distribution and knowledge management.
- Expedited review process, signature approval and release of supplier and internally produced documents.
Candidate, Second Language Training (French)
Canadian Armed Forces
07.2020 - 06.2021
- Government of Canada's entry level Public Function Second Language Training (obtained course standard proficiency in oral, grammar, reading comprehension).
Company Commander
Canadian Armed Forces
01.2020 - 07.2020
- Leader in charge of the Combat Support Company as part of the Canadian-led NATO mission in Latvia.
- Accountable for a specialized multi-national company with, at it's maximum capacity, 150 personnel from seven contributing nations.
- Responsible to provide intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) linking several battlefield functions together to assist the combat force.
- Coordinated and supervised the preparation and integration of the company within the unit, the maintenance of a high level of operational readiness, and provided battle-focused training.
- Tactical advisor to support unit planning, resourcing, and tactical operations.
- Developed and implemented plans to reduce risk to personnel and equipment during tactical operations.
- Directed tactical operations in complex and challenging environments.
- Led team in developing strategic plans to meet operational objectives.
- Coordinated activities of subordinate personnel to support mission success.
Deployment Officer
Canadian Armed Forces
06.2019 - 01.2020
- Lead Planner for the mission's Lead Mounting Unit, Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians).
- Coordinated the planning, administration, training and deployment of the Rotation 2020-01 enhance Forward Battle Group - Latvia.
- Acted as the primary control station and Point of Contact between the unit and flanking and higher headquarters.
- Oversaw deployment of close to 500 personnel and supporting equipment.
- Communicated all learning and performance objectives, schedules, and training assessments to National partners.
- Collaborated with other departments to align own training programs with organizational goals and objectives.
- Monitored and evaluated training performance to determine quality and communicated lessons learnt and recommendations to next rotation.
- Streamlined HR efficiencies, coordinated mission specific personnel loading and provided onboarding and training.
- Led team in developing strategic plans to meet operational objectives.
- Created contingency plans to address unexpected scenarios.
Regimental Adjutant
Canadian Armed Forces
06.2018 - 06.2019
- Team Lead for Human Resources Administrator (HRA) specialists.
- Unit's senior advisor on administration and policy, and administered unit of approximately 450 personnel.
- Primary function included supporting: Records Administration and maintenance of personnel records, Data Entry, Payroll and Allowance Administration, Mail Services and Information Management. Published official orders, supervised clerical, postal and administrative staffs, managed sensitive files (promotions, military justice, harassment, grievances, honours and awards, ceremonial, etc.), acted as the unit's public affairs and information management representatives, and handled correspondence with flanking units and higher headquarters.
- Secondary function included role as the Unit Military Pay Officer: supervised financial administration and services, specifically personnel payroll.
- Additional duties included mentorship or junior officers (approximately 20 members).
Squadron Second-in-Command
Canadian Armed Forces
07.2017 - 07.2018
- Serving as the Commander's trusted advisor, acting as a liaison to higher and adjacent headquarters.
- Served as the subject matter expert regarding application of all governing policies, orders and directives.
- Focal point to administer all HR within the organization of 120 personnel.
- Created, prepared, and delivered reports.
- Supervised the application and quality of administration, and responded quickly to questions to improve understanding of job responsibilities.
- Updated reports, managed personnel files and generated reports for national databases.
- Set organizational priorities and problem-solved workflow issues to maintain rapport with adjacent organizations and HR managers.
- Prepared reports to assist unit leadership with key decision making and strategic operational planning.
- Delivered performance reviews, recommending additional training or advancements.
- Executed record filing system to improve document organization and management.
- Created and maintained databases to track and record team member data.
- Developed strategies to streamline and improve office procedures.
- Developed and updated spreadsheets and databases to track, analyze, and report on performance, training and career progression data.
Operations Officer
Canadian Armed Forces
01.2017 - 07.2017
- Planner and operations lead within the US-led multi-national Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command Headquarters.
- Coordinated daily battlefield effects in cooperation with 23 sending nation militaries and Iraqi and Kurdish Armed Forces.
- Analyzed and maintained operational data, and saw to the proper management of personnel and resources to support ongoing operations.
- Allocated tactical resources within Battlefield Mosul and supported allocation of resources across Area of Operations within the Middle East.
- Tracked resource inventories and monitored adherence to national policies and international law, and processed in consultation with legal counsel.
- Streamlined organizational processes and procedures while enhancing service delivery.
- Made decisions with broad and positive impact on security management operations.
- Supported risk management through strategic planning and process development.
- Built strategic relationships with international, federal, and local agencies.
Battle (Operations) Captain
Canadian Armed Forces
07.2016 - 01.2017
- Responsible for planning and overseeing the training, vehicle maintenance and equipment stewardship, as well as coordinated logistical support to Squadron.
- In a field setting acted as the tactical operations center responsible for tracking operations in the battlefield, relaying information, assessing results and helping plan new operations.
- Established positive and effective communication among staff and leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
- Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
- Set, enforced, and optimized internal policies to maintain responsiveness to demands.
- Reduced process bottlenecks by training and coaching employees on practices, procedures, and performance strategies.
Training Reintegration Program Leader
Canadian Armed Forces
02.2015 - 07.2016
- Mid-range management position at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School.
- Responsible for the training, administration and personnel management of twelve staff (combination of civilian and military personnel) and up to 140 unqualified trainees.
- Mentored trainees during their transition from civilian to military lives who were removed from formal training due to academic, fitness, injury or personal issues.
- Provided rehabilitation training to support their reintegration onto new training serials or supported their release from the Canadian Armed Forces as required.
- Developed and implemented effective lesson plans to cover necessary material.
- Identified training needs and planned classes accordingly.
- Evaluated success of training programs and recommended improvements to upper management to enhance effectiveness.
- Acted as training subject matter expert and provided extensive technical support to different departments.
- Adjusted instructional strategies according to student needs and understanding of material.
- Analyzed and evaluated training effectiveness and program outcomes.
- Developed and implemented successful onboarding program.
Company Second-In-Command/Administration Officer
Canadian Armed Forces
12.2013 - 02.2015
- Junior Human Resources (HR) Manager for bilingual training company of approximately 80 instructional staff and approximately 600 trainees.
- Coordinated Records Administration and Maintenance of both staff and candidate personnel files and training records, and managed institutional Information Management.
- Managed employee disputes by employing conflict resolution techniques.
- Advised decision-makers on complex and confidential matters ranging from performance management to employee relations issues.
- Guided leaders and employees on company policies, programs, benefits and salary administration.
- Recommended, initiated and finalized HR actions regarding staff management, compensation and employment postings and new trainee onboarding.
- Maintained company compliance with national and provincial laws and regulations.
- Implemented standardized programs and policies, driving smooth operations, employee retention and engagement.
- Monitored and handled employee claims involving performance-based and harassment incidents.
Training Officer
Canadian Armed Forces
07.2013 - 12.2013
- Supervised training staff through preparations and conduct of Basic Training.
- Oversaw the reception, mentorship, evaluation and departure of trainees.
- Identified training shortfalls and resource deficiencies, coordinated with external program developers to implement institutional changes.
- Identified training needs by evaluating strengths and weaknesses.
- Translated requirements into progressive training regime in preparation for next step of their career.
- Built quarterly training programs and prepared teaching plans.
- Developed or oversaw the production of classroom handouts, instructional materials, aids and manuals.
- Directed structured learning experiences and monitored their quality results.
- Onboarded new hires.
- Delivered training courses.
- Assessed training effectiveness to ensure incorporation of taught skills and techniques into trainees work behavior.
- Periodically evaluated ongoing programs to ensure that they reflect any changes.
- Stayed abreast of the new trends and tools in subordinate development.
Account Officer
Canadian Armed Forces
06.2012 - 07.2013
- Oversaw accounts receivable and payable, and handled general account inquiries for the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadian) Regimental Society (a registered charity).
- Collaborated with various Federal and Provincial governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations and donors.
- Supervised general bookkeeping staff.
- Handled accounts payable and receivable.
- Maintained records of business.
- Conducted financial audits for inaccuracies in reporting.
- Reconciled accounts with the general ledger.
- Produced and briefed routine financial statements for Board Membership at Annual General Meetings.
- Handled general account queries.
- Produced and issued tax-receipts.
- Communicated with external vendors and donors.
- Practiced basic accounting functions for the charity.
Armoured Troop Leader
Canadian Armed Forces
04.2011 - 06.2013
- Adhered to strict protocols and followed orders while conducting training or mission preparations.
- Trained personnel to improve performance and attain mission-ready status.
- Protected and guided personnel under my command, maintaining safety, well-being, and mission readiness.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with staff in my higher headquarters.
- Coordinated with personnel to develop strategic plans for Troops actions.
- Led team of 32 personnel in garrison, during training and in support of domestic operations.
Candidate
Canadian Armed Forces
01.2009 - 04.2011
- Conducted the Basic Military Officer Course at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Quebec.
- Conducted the Common Army Phase Course at the Infantry School in Gagetown, NB.
- Conducted the Basic Occupational Qualification Training at the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps School in Gagetown, NB.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, Sk05.2005
Certificate - Information Security Management
Defence Learning Network
Virtual08.2023
Certificate - Contracting Direct With Trade
Defence Learning Network
Virtual04.2022
Certificate - Creating Respectful Workplace
Defence Learning Network
Virtual10.2021
Certificate - General Safety - Supervisor
Defence Learning Network
Virtual07.2021
Certificate - Expenditure Management
Defence Learning Network
Virtual07.2021
Certificate - Gender Based Analysis Plus
Defence Learning Network
Virtual08.2017
Certificate - Integrating Gender Perspectives
NATO School
Virtual11.2019
Certificate - Managing Civilian Human Resources
Defence Leadning Network
Virtual11.2015
Skills
- Leadership
- Analytical Thinking
- Data Analysis
- Microsoft Products
- Resource Management
- Interpersonal Communication
- Training and Operational Planning
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Limited Working
Timeline
Officer Commanding
Canadian Armed Forces
07.2022 - Current
Executive Assistant to Division Commander
Canadian Armed Forces
06.2021 - 07.2022
Candidate, Second Language Training (French)
Canadian Armed Forces
07.2020 - 06.2021
Company Commander
Canadian Armed Forces
01.2020 - 07.2020
Deployment Officer
Canadian Armed Forces
06.2019 - 01.2020
Regimental Adjutant
Canadian Armed Forces
06.2018 - 06.2019
Squadron Second-in-Command
Canadian Armed Forces
07.2017 - 07.2018
Operations Officer
Canadian Armed Forces
01.2017 - 07.2017
Battle (Operations) Captain
Canadian Armed Forces
07.2016 - 01.2017
Training Reintegration Program Leader
Canadian Armed Forces
02.2015 - 07.2016
Company Second-In-Command/Administration Officer
Canadian Armed Forces
12.2013 - 02.2015
Training Officer
Canadian Armed Forces
07.2013 - 12.2013
Account Officer
Canadian Armed Forces
06.2012 - 07.2013
Armoured Troop Leader
Canadian Armed Forces
04.2011 - 06.2013
Candidate
Canadian Armed Forces
01.2009 - 04.2011
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of Saskatchewan
Certificate - Information Security Management
Defence Learning Network
Certificate - Contracting Direct With Trade
Defence Learning Network
Certificate - Creating Respectful Workplace
Defence Learning Network
Certificate - General Safety - Supervisor
Defence Learning Network
Certificate - Expenditure Management
Defence Learning Network
Certificate - Gender Based Analysis Plus
Defence Learning Network
Certificate - Integrating Gender Perspectives
NATO School
Certificate - Managing Civilian Human Resources
Defence Leadning Network
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