Get to Know…Matt Kim!

Matt Kim is a KAIPO member who retired in July 2025 after 37 years of service.

Q: Tell us about your background.

I earned a B.S. in Computer Engineering in 1987 and an M.S. in Computer Engineering in 1989 from Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania. I married my wife Vickie in 1989. My wife and I have three daughters and we were blessed with our first grandson a couple of years ago.

Q: How did you first come to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)?

I began my federal career as a civilian engineer with the Department of Defense (DoD) at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. Around my third year there, a coworker told me the USPTO has one of the fastest promotion systems in government—many people reach GS‑14 in five or six years.

I was used to the promotion process at DoD and frankly didn’t believe it at first. But I applied anyway, got a job offer via phone call in the hospital when my first daughter was being born, accepted the offer, and never looked back.

Q: What’s the contribution you’re most proud of?

Recruitment. I joined the Technology Center 2100 recruitment team early and never let it go. Over the years I recommended roughly 2,100 candidates for hire, and many of them came on board and later grew into leaders—primary examiners, managers, and even association officers. That makes me proud in a way no personal project ever could. Sometimes all it took was 30–60 minutes of conversation, but seeing what people did with the opportunity has been incredibly rewarding.

Q: Who shaped your approach to leadership?

My first director at the USPTO, the late Jerry Goldberg. When something went wrong, he never pointed fingers. He immediately moved to problem‑solving and brought people together. Years later, I met someone who’d known him well. As we talked, this person grew emotional and told me how Jerry had helped him in a difficult youth. That’s the kind of leader he was—professionally excellent and personally kind. I still think of him often.

Q: What principles guide you?

First, don’t worry about things outside your control. It only creates stress. Put your energy into what you can improve. Second, treat people the way you’d want to be treated. Listen first, avoid judgment, and solve problems together.

Q: Any advice for colleagues—especially about career and well‑being?

Take care of your health. I read in Runner’s World an article about a U.S. Secretary of Commerce who completed a full Ironman triathlon while serving in office. If someone that busy could find the time to train for and finish such a demanding race, then the rest of us can also make time for health and exercise. Don’t wait until the last minute. Exercise, rest, and keep persevering.

On work: don’t overload yourself with too many side projects just for performance review purposes. Choose a small number—two or three—that you genuinely believe in. When you believe in the purpose, no one needs to push you, and the stress is lower.

Q: You’ve mentioned distance running a few times. What’s your running story?

I’ve run at least 17 marathons—including Boston, Chicago, London, Berlin, and Paris—and qualified for Boston twice. I once injured a leg trying to do a little jump for the race photographer near the end of the Marine Corps Marathon (see the picture above capturing the moment) and still hobbled the last six miles to the finish; I missed my Boston qualifying time by six seconds that day.

Another memory: years ago I was training in D.C. near the Kennedy Center when a running group with Secret Service vehicles approached. As it passed, I called out “Hi, President Clinton,” and he answered, “Hi, guys.” That was the whole conversation—but it makes a good story.

If you’re training for your first marathon, here’s my one hard‑earned tip: on race day, run the pace you trained for—even if you feel amazing at the halfway point. If you speed up early, you’ll pay for it late. Following a pacer can help.

Q: Do any cases stand out after all these years?

I’ve issued on the order of 2,500 patents. I don’t have one famous case I point to, and I’m fine with that—I’m happy none of my decisions wound up in headlines for the wrong reasons. What I do plan to frame are three title pages: the first patent I ever allowed as a junior, the first I signed as a primary, and the last I sign before retiring. That tells the story I want to remember.

Q: Any closing thoughts for the community?

Thank you. The community’s leaders and volunteers have built something strong—programs, events, and real support across a nationwide workforce. I’m grateful for the friendships and for the chance to serve in recruiting and mentoring over the years. I joined the USPTO as a young, imperfect engineer; the people here helped me grow into a better examiner, leader, and person. I’m deeply thankful for that, and I’ll be cheering for the next generation from Florida.