Robert Skinner of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) is selected by the Potomac Officers Club to give the closing keynote speech at the 5th Annual CIO Summit. Mr. Skinner’s extensive experience in the defense and cyber realms is among the reasons he has been chosen to share valuable insights on the upcoming GovCon event.
Learn more about the DISA’s Director’s professional journey here.
Lt. Gen. Robert Skinner: Who is he?
Lieutenant General Robert J. Skinner assumed the role of Director of the Defense Information Systems Agency in 2021. Mr. Skinner leads a global network comprising over 19,000 civilians, contractors, and service members. DISA plans, develops, delivers, and operates joint interoperable command and control capabilities and safeguards an enterprise infrastructure that spans over 40 countries.
Through his leadership, Robert Skinner and his team have supported the President, Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of Defense, and combat support operations under the US Department of Defense.
Concurrent with his directorship role, Robert Skinner is the Commander of the Joint Force Headquarters–Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN). In this capacity, he is responsible for:
- Securing, operating, and defending the DoDIN
- Directing threat-informed actions through future operation efforts
- Commanding and controlling daily unified network, cybersecurity, and defensive operations
Lt. Gen. Robert Skinner graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Park College in Parkville, Missouri. He also completed his Master’s in Computer Science with honors from Oklahoma City University.
Robert Skinner’s Professional Background
Robert Skinner entered the service in 1989, being commissioned through the Officer Training School. Earlier in his career, he served in various tactical and fixed plans, assignments, policies, and resource-staff tasks.
Later on, he enlisted in the Numbered Air Force (NAF) levels, where he became the commander of the squadron, group, and wing. One of his distinguished works was as the Director of Command, Control, Communications, and Cyber at the US Indo-Pacific Command on Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii.
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout his career, Robert Skinner has bagged several awards.
- Defense Superior Service Medal (with oak leaf cluster)
- Legion of Merit (with oak leaf cluster)
- Bronze Star Medal
- Defense Meritorious Service Medal
- Meritorious Service Medal (with four oak leaf clusters)
- Navy Commendation Medal
- Air Force Achievement Medal (with oak leaf cluster)
Robert Skinner as the Closing Keynote Speaker at the 5th Annual CIO Summit
Lt. Gen. Robert Skinner’s extensive work experience in the US Air Force and Navy poised him to be among the foremost defense, cybersecurity, and military technology leaders. With that, his insights on the federal government’s digital transformation will be crucial to the upcoming 5th Annual CIO Summit.
Hosted by the Potomac Officers Club, the 5th Annual CIO Summit gathers seasoned executives in the field of generative AI, cybersecurity, IT modernization, and multi-cloud strategies.
Robert Skinner will deliver the closing keynote address. Register here to watch him and gain valuable knowledge.
Robert Skinner, a Three-time Wash100 Awardee
Among the strong points of Robert Skinner’s leadership journey is his third consecutive Wash100 award. The DISA Director bagged his third accolade for leading the agency’s complex communications and global defense networks, as well as its AI and cybersecurity operations.
Jim Garrettson, CEO of Executive Mosaic, was proud to have Robert Skinner among 2024’s roster of Wash100 winners, saying “the gravity of his work cannot be understated.”
He added Lt. Gen. Skinner is “a stalwart leader whose impacts at DISA echo across the entirety of the defense and intelligence landscapes. We’re proud to include him and his consequential work in our Wash100 list for the third consecutive year.”
Cast your votes on the executives you deem to be worthy of the Wash100 awards.
Notable Industry Contributions of Robert Skinner
AI is among the Defense Information Systems Agency’s focus areas. As the DISA’s Director, Lt. Gen. Skinner highlighted artificial intelligence capabilities as pivotal for achieving strategic advantage in industry and government.
In 2023, Robert Skinner actively participated in major AI initiatives for the DISA, such as the leveraging of AI and zero-trust solutions to bolster US warfighters’ defense capabilities and engaging in Booz Allen Hamilton’s Thunderdome zero-trust architecture project.
You might also want to read: DISA Expands Thunderdome Zero Trust Program Deployment; Brian Hermann Quoted
