LtCol Kovatch is a native of South Bend, Indiana and a graduate of Indiana University. He commissioned in 2007 through the Platoon Leaders Course.
After completing The Basic School and Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, LtCol Kovatch reported to Battery A, 1st Battalion, 10th Marines. During his time at Battery A, LtCol Kovatch held the billets of Forward Observer, Fire Direction Officer, and Battalion Liaison Officer.
In December 2009, he attached to 1st Battalion, 6th Marines and deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, serving as the Battalion Fire Support Coordinator. Upon redeployment, LtCol Kovatch was reassigned to 3d Battalion, 10th Marines, serving as Battery I Executive Officer and Battalion Operations Officer. In January 2011, LtCol Kovatch deployed to Liberia in support of Operation ONWARD LIBERTY and served as the Brigade Operations Mentor.
After returning from Liberia, LtCol Kovatch reported to Marine Corps Forces Reserve (MARFORRES) G-3/5, serving as a Regional Exercise/Operations Planner from July 2011 to August 2013. While assigned to MARFORRES, LtCol Kovatch completed Expeditionary Warfare School.
In August 2013, LtCol Kovatch reported to 3d Battalion, 11th Marines and subsequently attached to 1st Battalion, 7th Marines as the Battalion Fire Support Coordinator. He deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, supporting ground combat operations throughout Helmand Province. Upon returning to 3d Battalion, 11th Marines in December 2014, LtCol Kovatch assumed duties as Assistant Operations Officer. In September 2015, he took command of Battery K and deployed in support of the Unit Deployment Program.
In July 2016, LtCol Kovatch reported to Headquarters Marine Corps, Manpower & Reserve Affairs and served in the Manpower Management Enlisted Assignments (MMEA) Branch. While at MMEA, he held the billets of Unit Head for Combat Arms Assignments (MMEA-22), Special Duty Assignments (MMEA-25), and Section Head for Enlisted Retention (MMEA-1).
In July 2019, LtCol Kovatch reported as a student to Marine Corps Command and Staff College. While attending, he was selected to the General Robert H. Barrow Fellowship and subsequently earned a Master's of Military Studies.
In July 2020, LtCol Kovatch reported to 3d Battalion, 11th Marines to serve as the Battalion Executive Officer. In September 2021, he reported to 7th Marines to serve as the Assistant Fire Support Coordinator.
In May 2022, LtCol Kovatch reported to 12th Marines in Okinawa, Japan to serve as the Regimental Operations Officer. LtCol Kovatch assumed command of 2d ANGLICO in April 2024.
LtCol Kovatch's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (Two Gold Stars), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (One Gold Star), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.