Robert B. Dickson
Executive Director
Experience: A Senior Executive Service member originally detailed to the Commission from the Department of State, Bob Dickson is now its full-time executive director reporting directly to the Commission Co-Chairs.
Bob previously served as executive director for the Department of State, Bureau of Administration and as director of acquisitions. He holds the Presidential Meritorious Rank Award and the Secretary of State Career Achievement Award, among other recognitions.
Earlier he served as deputy commander, Defense Contract Administration Service Management Area, Philadelphia, PA; chief, contract administration, DCAS Residency, IBM Federal Systems Division, Manassas, VA. He also served in contracting assignments with the Naval Research Laboratory and the Army Electronics Command in Philadelphia, PA and Fort Monmouth, N.J. His private-sector experience includes serving as senior vice president for strategic initiatives for an information-technology company, as vice president for client relations for a leading acquisition-consulting company, and as an executive consultant.
A United States Army veteran of service in Vietnam and Germany, Bob attended OCS and was commissioned in the Field Artillery. He spent thirty years in the active reserve, and retired as a Colonel. His assignments included senior civil affairs liaison to the U.S. Central Command, assistant chief of staff - operations, and finally as deputy commander, 352nd Civil Affairs Command. His military awards include the Legion of Merit.
Certifications: Certified Professional Contract Manager. Fellow, National Contract Management Association.
Education: B.A., political science, Rutgers University; M.B.A., management, Marymount University; graduate, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, 1988. Foreign Service Institute Senior Seminar 1994-1995.
