Colonel Higgins was born July 11, 1962 in Steubenville, Ohio. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from West Virginia University. He earned a Master of Arts Degree in Human Resources Management from National University in San Diego, California in 1995 and a Master of Science Degree in National Industrial Resourcing from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in 2005. Colonel Higgins was commissioned on 10 April 1987. Following The Basic School, he attended the Field Artillery Officer’s Basic Course in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Following graduation, Colonel Higgins was assigned to 5th Battalion, 10th Marines where he served as a Provisional Infantry Platoon Commander, Guns Platoon Commander, Fire Direction Officer and Battery Executive Officer from 1988-1990.

From 1990-1991, Colonel Higgins served as the Targeting Information Officer for 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. During this time, he deployed to the Mediterranean and Liberia in Support of Operation Sharp Edge.

From 1991 to 1992, Colonel Higgins served as a Platoon Commander at Guard Company, Marine Barracks Guam. In 1992, he was assigned as the Detachment Officer-In-Charge at the Naval Computer Telecommunications Area Master Station. During this time, he participated in Operation Fiery Vigil and was Officer-In-Charge of Security at a refugee camp for 5,000 displaced Micronesian Islanders following Typhoon Omar.

From 1992-1995, Colonel Higgins served as Fire Support Officer, Firepower Control Team Leader, Training Officer, Supporting Arms Liaison Team Leader and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit Detachment Commander for 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO). During this period, he participated in Operation Restore Hope where he was Officer-In-Charge of Security of a multi-service/ multi-national force during the evacuation of UNICEF personnel from the port city of Kismayu. He also participated in Operations Southern Watch, Vigilant Warrior and United Shield.

In 1996, Colonel Higgins attended the Ground Supply Officer’s Course at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. Following graduation, he served as the Inspector-Instructor, S-4, and Supply Officer for 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion from 1996-1999.

From 1999-2002, Colonel Higgins served as a Project Officer and Deputy Program Manager for the Program Management Office for Infantry Combat Equipment, Marine Corps Systems Command. During the summer of 2002, Colonel Higgins attended the Canadian Armed Forces Joint Command and Staff Course in Toronto, Canada.

From 2002-2004, Colonel Higgins served at Headquarters Marine Corps as the Reserve Manpower Budget Officer and as the Head of the Reserve Manpower Budget and Programming Section. From 2004-2005, Colonel Higgins attended the National Defense University, Industrial College of the Armed Forces. From 2005 to 2007, Colonel Higgins served as Commanding Officer, Headquarters and Support Battalion, School of Infantry (West) at Camp Pendleton, California.

In 2007, Colonel Higgins was assigned as the Force Material Management Officer, Headquarters, Marine Forces Reserve. In 2008, he served as the Marine Forces Reserve Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics. In the fall of 2008, Colonel Higgins deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During this time, he served as a Logistics Planner for Combined Joint Task Force-101. He was also assigned as the U.S. Liaison to the Royal Marine Combat Logistics Regiment-3 and the Commander Camp Bastion during Operation Merge; the expansion of Marine Forces into Regional Command –South.

From April 2009 to June 2011, Colonel Higgins was assigned as the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations at 4th Marine Logistics Group. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4th Award with Combat V), Combat Action Ribbon and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Colonel Higgins was promoted to his current rank in September 2009. He is married and has two sons.