MATTHEW PEELING
NATIONAL SECRETARY
Matthew Peeling grew up in Baltimore’s northern suburbs in a family of service members. His father served in Korea as a Navy frogman, predecessor to the Navy SEALS, and his aunt retired from the Navy as a Master Chief Petty Officer, serving in the Korean and Vietnam wars. His brother is also a Navy Veteran, and his nephew serves as a Navy intelligence officer.
After graduating from high school, Peeling joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 1984 where he served as a combat medical specialist. Two years later, he was injured in a forklift accident that left him a complete T12-L1 paraplegic.
He initially was treated at the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland and underwent physical rehabilitation at what was then the Montebello Rehabilitation Hospital in Baltimore.
He became involved with PVA later in life, seeking the camaraderie he remembered from his time in the military, and with hopes of supporting fellow Veterans with similar injuries.
Peeling joined the Colonial Chapter in 2018, and shortly after was named chapter president. He leveraged his business background to revitalize the chapter, and expanded activities to appeal to members’ diverse interests, including art, automobiles and outdoor recreation. He hopes to bring a similar business and member-focused approach to his national role.
Peeling was elected PVA’s national secretary in May 2025 during the organization’s 79th Annual Convention, to begin a one-year term on July 1, 2025. Previously, he was on PVA’s national board of directors for four years, where he served on the Education and Audit committees. His top priority is ensuring PVA members know they have a support system.
Peeling holds a bachelor’s degree in information technology and a Master of Business Administration from American Military University. He also holds a certificate in management information systems from Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School, and a certificate in cybersecurity risk management from Harvard University. He currently serves as the director of information services, facilities and emergency operations for Hospice of the Chesapeake.
Peeling has a long-held commitment to public service, having served as a volunteer firefighter before his injury and as an adult leader for the Baltimore County 4H for more than 40 years. He also volunteers for Maryland STEMnet, working with young people interested in science, engineering and technology.
When he’s not working or giving back, Peeling enjoys traveling with his wife and childhood sweetheart, Susan. They live in Glen Burnie, Maryland with their beloved Boston terrier, Butch.
