“Lead with purpose, execute with precision, and always build for the future.”
Colonel Charles L. Decker (“Chuck”) is a distinguished military leader and seasoned engineering executive whose career bridges military leadership, private-sector project delivery, and entrepreneurial growth. With over 30 years of combined experience across global engineering firms, the U.S. Army, and the Naval Reserve, Decker is known for his operational excellence, cross-disciplinary versatility, and strategic foresight. His ability to lead in high-stakes, dynamic environments has earned him a reputation as a results-driven commander and respected mentor to future military and civilian engineers.
Chuck’s civilian career includes leadership roles with industry giants like ExxonMobil and Jacobs Engineering, where he contributed to large-scale energy, infrastructure, and capital project initiatives. His portfolio spans engineering, manufacturing, and construction mega-projects with multi-stakeholder programs executed across both public and private sectors. As founder of Rock Management Group, Chuck applies this expertise to advising organizations on strategic growth, operational resilience, and infrastructure development, focusing on sustainable resource management and future-proof design.
Complementing his corporate and entrepreneurial work, Colonel Decker currently serves as Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Caribbean District, where he leads critical water security, climate-resilient infrastructure, and disaster recovery efforts across U.S. territories. His military background, including elite assignments with U.S. Army Special Forces and deployments supporting Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom, has shaped his disciplined, mission-driven leadership style — equally at home in boardrooms or the trenches.
As a project executive for Rock Management Group and the former Commander of the USACE Task Force Virgin Islands Puerto Rico (Task Force VIPR), Chuck led critical infrastructure and civil works projects aimed at rebuilding resilience in disaster-affected communities. His leadership in the region included coordinating recovery projects in the wake of devastating hurricanes. In each assignment, he combined tactical engineering knowledge with empathetic leadership, delivering measurable impact while aligning operations with broader mission objectives.
Colonel Decker’s professional accolades include the Special Forces tab, Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist, German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency (Gold), Uzbek Jump Wings, Estonia ERNA Green Beret, Airborne and Pathfinder badges, among dozens of others. These commendations are not just decorations, they represent decades of sustained performance, trust, and distinction in roles of escalating complexity and impact.
Chuck’s educational pedigree includes a Master of Science in Civil & Environmental Engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Clarkson University. A certified Project Management Professional (PMP), he has also completed advanced training in engineering, leadership, and risk management through both military and civilian programs. These diverse qualifications reflect his lifelong dedication to continuous learning and multidimensional leadership.
Throughout his career, Decker has worked with U.S. and international teams on projects spanning North America, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean — forging partnerships that tackle modern challenges in resilient infrastructure, water and energy security, and sustainable growth. His rare combination of technical rigor, strategic foresight, and hands-on leadership makes him a trusted advisor to organizations navigating today’s complex economic and environmental landscape.
As he prepares for his final transition from military service, Chuck is actively pursuing board positions and advisory roles across climate-resilient infrastructure, water and energy security, and sustainable resource management sectors, particularly with small to mid-cap companies positioned for global impact. His guiding values are service, innovation, and resilience — whether building infrastructure, leading organizations, or advising the next generation of leaders.
Outside of work, Chuck is an active outdoorsman, traveler, and pickleball enthusiast. He takes pride in raising three children and their loyal dog, Jax, alongside his wife Monica. His grounded nature, elite training, and broad experience make him a dynamic contributor both professionally and personally.
Character:
Colonel Decker’s career reflects a consistent dedication to service, adaptability, and building organizations and systems that stand the test of time. His long-standing dedication to national defense and community resilience is matched by his authenticity and deep-rooted values.
Knowledge:
With an engineering degree from Stanford, Fortune 100 project experience, PMP certification, and global military and civilian leadership, Decker offers deep expertise in engineering, infrastructure resilience, and mission-critical decision-making in both crisis and strategic contexts.
Strategic:
Colonel Decker’s ability to align tactical operations with long-term organizational goals is a hallmark of his career. His cross-sector career equips him to navigate risk, complexity, and global market dynamics.
Communication:
Decker leads with clarity, empathy, and credibility. His transparent communication style fosters trust and drives collaboration and results, whether guiding a project team, advising executives, or addressing stakeholders.
