Representative Van Epps, Matt

Matt Van Epps is a member of the United States House of Representatives, sworn into Congress on December 4 following a special election to serve Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. He is a combat-tested military officer, national security leader, and public-sector executive whose career has been defined by service, disciplined leadership, and results.

A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and a member of the Class of 9/11, Van Epps served ten years on active duty as an Army aviator, deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. He flew and commanded missions in both the AH-64D Apache and the MH-47G Chinook, serving with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) as a pilot-in-command and air mission commander.

Following active duty, he continued his service in the Tennessee Army National Guard, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel. Before his election to Congress, he held senior leadership positions in Tennessee state government, including deputy chief operating officer in the governor’s office and commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services, where he oversaw statewide procurement, real estate, facilities, and operations.

In addition to public service, Van Epps worked in small businesses focused on recruiting, healthcare operations, and procurement strategy. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and lives in Nashville with his wife and child.