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 Robert Velasco, II, was designated Acting CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) by President Obama on May 27, 2011. CNCS is the federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in results-driven service through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs, and leads President Obama’s national call to service initiative, United We Serve.
Robert’s early volunteer experiences catalyzed a lasting interest in public service. As a youth volunteer in his local community, he experienced first-hand the ability of service to change lives. Robert promoted literacy skills for young readers and worked with first-time juvenile offenders who were offered a chance to serve their communities instead of serving time. Now, he guides a network of organizations that help Americans across the country reach their full potential.
Robert has over a decade of experience managing large programs and complex organizations, and has the skills, judgment, and leadership ability to increase the effectiveness of national service. Prior to becoming Acting CEO, Robert served as Chief Operating Officer and Acting Chief of Program Operations for CNCS. He has boosted efficiency, bolstered accountability, and fostered innovation, and has developed the infrastructure to carry out the Serve America Act and fulfill the President’s vision for national service.
Prior to his tenure at CNCS, Robert worked in management, program, and regional operations across the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Most recently, he served as Director of Management Operations within HHS’ Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals (OMHA). He was appointed as OMHA’s first Director of Program Operations where he built a national policy framework, led business transformation projects, advanced quality assurance and evaluation initiatives, and collaborated with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, the Social Security Administration and the HHS Departmental Appeals Board to improve case management efficiency.
Prior to OMHA, Robert served as Deputy Director and Chief of Staff in the Office of Administration at the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). At ACF, he oversaw key management initiatives including the implementation of welfare reform. Robert was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in 2006. He is a graduate of both the HHS Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program, and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Federal Executive Institute.
With his extensive experience, knowledge of CNCS, and management ability, Robert is a strong leader who will effectively manage the agency, maintain the President’s priorities, and continue to ensure that service plays an important role in addressing some of our nation’s toughest challenges. He leads an agency that is poised for greater impact and success, with well-run programs, an impact-focused Strategic Plan, and a high-performing workforce. He directs a strong network of state service commissions, key partnerships in the nonprofit and corporate sector, thousands of results-driven grantees that include some of America’s most entrepreneurial organizations, and a widespread culture of impact and accountability.
Robert earned an MA and BA in English and a BS in Political Science from Southern Methodist University. He lives with his wife and their two sons in Arlington, VA.
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