Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology
Robert (Bob) Howard was nominated by President George W. Bush to serve as Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on September 26, 2006 and was confirmed by the Senate on Sept. 30, 2006. As Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology (IT), Mr. Howard serves as the Department’s Chief Information Officer (CIO), advising the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on all matters pertaining to acquisition and management of IT systems. He is responsible for overseeing the operation of VA’s computer systems and telecommunication networks that support medical, benefit and cemetery activities as well as staff support functions of the Department. Prior to his nomination, he retired as a Major General from the US Army in 1996 and spent the next nine years in the private sector with the Cubic Corporation. With Cubic, he served as a Vice President and General Manager of the Analysis and Learning Technologies Division directing a variety of programs in support of US and foreign governments. A major aspect of this work focused on assisting a number of former communist states in Central/Eastern Europe and the Caucasus with defense reform, restructuring and modernization. A native of Everett, Mass. his 33-year career in the Army began in 1963. While on active duty, Mr. Howard served in a variety of command and staff assignments in the continental United States, Europe and Asia, with two tours of duty in Vietnam. His assignments included command of both an engineer battalion and brigade in the 82nd Airborne Division and XVIII Airborne Corps, respectively, as well as staff positions focusing on systems analysis, modeling and simulation, strategic planning and financial management. In his last active duty assignment, Mr. Howard served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US Army for Budget. His academic experience includes service as an assistant professor of mathematics at the US Military Academy and as a professorial lecturer for the American University. Mr. Howard’s civil engineering education includes a graduate degree from Texas A&M University and an undergraduate degree from Northeastern University in Boston. He also holds a Master’s degree in Military Art and Science (MMAS) from the Army Command and General Staff College and is a 1984 graduate of the National War College. Mr. Howard resides in North Springfield, Virginia with his wife Ciretta. They have two daughters and three grandchildren. October 2006
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