Robert E. Hill is a distinguished leader whose career has been built on a steadfast commitment to innovation, service, and people-centered leadership. With over three decades of experience spanning the military, federal government, and private consulting sectors, Robert’s professional journey reflects a rare blend of technical mastery, executive acumen, and an unwavering devotion to mentoring future generations. His leadership philosophy, captured in his personal motto “Mission First. People Always,” has consistently propelled the teams and organizations he has served toward transformative results.
Robert’s leadership odyssey began in the United States Air Force, where he served as an Aircraft Crew Chief and Instructor. His technical skill and dedication carried him across continents, supporting critical missions during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Uphold Democracy. His time overseas, coupled with his instructional role at Sheppard Air Force Base, honed his ability to lead with clarity under pressure—a skill that would become a hallmark of his future executive leadership. Transitioning from the flight line to the realm of IT, Robert quickly discovered his natural talent for systems management and technological innovation.
Following his distinguished military career, Robert transitioned into federal civil service, where he steadily climbed the ranks at the Department of Defense and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). At FEMA, Robert managed the Training Center of Excellence, introducing the pioneering “Whole Person Concept,” which integrated technical training with personal development initiatives. This holistic approach to employee growth underscored his belief that empowered individuals are the bedrock of organizational success, a principle he carried throughout his leadership career.
Robert’s most impactful tenure came at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), where he served in several critical executive roles, culminating as the Associate Chief Information Officer (CIO) for User & Network Services (UNS). In this capacity, he directed a vast organization of over 1,700 employees, stewarding an extensive IT infrastructure supporting more than 90,000 users nationwide. His leadership extended across the IRS’ local and wide area networks, taxpayer communication systems, enterprise service desk operations, and mobile collaboration platforms, positioning the agency at the forefront of federal IT modernization.
During his time at the IRS, Robert championed several enterprise-wide initiatives that redefined how technology supports public service. He was instrumental in modernizing customer-facing applications like “Where’s My Refund” and “Online Account,” systems accessed by millions of taxpayers annually. Robert also pioneered the IRS IT Career Summit and the IT Academy within IRS University, demonstrating his enduring commitment to talent development and succession planning within the federal IT workforce.
Beyond his executive roles, Robert has made a substantial impact through board and governance work. He chaired and participated in multiple governance boards including the IRS User and Network Services Governance Board, the Cybersecurity and Privacy Governance Board, and the DevOps Executive Oversight Team. His strategic oversight ensured that agency investments aligned with mission-critical objectives, that cybersecurity risks were proactively managed, and that modernization initiatives proceeded with fiscal responsibility and innovation at the forefront.
Following his retirement from federal service, Robert founded Starkey Management Consulting, a firm dedicated to delivering executive coaching, leadership training, and IT consulting services. Through Starkey, he continues to influence the next generation of leaders, offering a rare blend of technical insight and leadership wisdom rooted in real-world executive experience. His work today draws on decades of strategic planning, IT operations management, program development, corporate communications, and organizational transformation.
Complementing his professional endeavors, Robert is a prolific writer, blogger, and speaker. His creative pursuits include authoring leadership blogs, and a leadership book/journal, writing novels exploring themes of faith and resilience, and presenting keynote speeches on leadership during times of chaos and innovation in IT training. His presentations at forums like the Forrester Technology & Innovation Summit and to members of the Presidential Management Fellows, and ACT-IAC’s Voyager Program showcase his ability to inspire and educate leaders navigating complex organizational landscapes.
Above all, Robert remains grounded in his core values of integrity, perseverance, stewardship, and respect. Whether guiding a federal agency through transformational change or mentoring young professionals at the outset of their careers, he brings the same unwavering commitment to mission success and people-centered leadership. His career reflects the belief that great organizations are built not just through strategic plans and cutting-edge technology, but through the cultivation of trust, empowerment, and shared purpose.
As Robert looks to future opportunities on advisory boards and governance committees, he offers a unique and invaluable combination of government leadership experience, IT strategy expertise, and an authentic passion for developing individuals and organizations alike. His story is one of perseverance, innovation, and a deep commitment to serving others—a legacy he continues to build through his consulting, writing, and speaking.
Character:
Robert E. Hill exemplifies character through his unwavering integrity and commitment to servant leadership. His approach to leadership is grounded in authenticity, respect, and a deep-seated belief in the potential of every individual he leads.
Knowledge:
His decades of experience across military, federal, and consulting sectors have equipped Robert with unparalleled insight into IT operations, organizational governance, and strategic development. He pairs deep technical expertise with a profound understanding of human dynamics and change management.
Strategic:
Robert has consistently demonstrated strategic foresight, leading organizations through complex modernization efforts and governance transformations. His ability to balance immediate operational needs with long-term vision sets him apart as a true architect of sustainable success.
Communication:
As an executive, author, and speaker, Robert excels in translating complex concepts into compelling narratives that resonate across diverse audiences. His communication skills foster trust, drive collaboration, and inspire action across all levels of an organization.
https://www.starkeyservices.com
