Bob Burton

Director of Defense Technologies

LOCATION
First Flight Venture Center
2 Davis Drive
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

BIOGRAPHY

Bob Burton joined the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) on February 1, 2020, as the Senior Manager, Technology Transition, and was promoted to Director of Defense Technologies in May 2024. Bob and the Defense Technologies team connect North Carolina’s innovation ecosystem with the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security’s emerging and urgent technology needs, delivering dual-use solutions for warfighters and first responders. Bob supports the NC innovation ecosystem with business development, capture, contract execution, and other capabilities, recommends actions, and helps coordinate other resources to fill gaps and improve capabilities. At the same time, Bob builds new relationships to expand the NCMBC network and support new business opportunities in NC.

Bob is a retired Special Forces CSM with over 30 years of special operations leadership, beginning with the 12-man SF Operational Detachment Alpha (SFODA). He led strategic results for more than 10 years at the executive level, including as a 3-star general officer, a trusted advisor, and a staff SGM for the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC). Bob deployed extensively across CENTCOM, EUCOM, and PACOM areas of operation/responsibility (AO/AOR) in support of U.S. security and strategic objectives. Proven combat leadership refined through many engagements from the local village chief level through national military leadership levels, and advised diplomatic efforts as well as military operations in sensitive security environments.

In addition to his military service, Bob’s experience includes Executive in Residence: Hacking for Defense (H4D) Lean Entrepreneurship for Special Operations at North Carolina State University. Bob served as a military mentor for Hacking for Defense and synchronized the submission of problem statements to meet USSOCOM Special Operations capability needs. He connected the Special Operations Mentor network with North Carolina State University to support operational objectives. Bob encouraged innovation and experimentation in developing a minimum viable product to address Special Operations capability needs.

Bob is originally from Branchport, NY. He received his Master’s degree in Executive Leadership from Liberty University. He enjoys spending time with his family and helping people grow and develop their potential. Bob is excited to maintain his roots in the military community and the defense and security sectors in NC. Bob is helping North Carolina maintain and improve its status as the best place to innovate, live, work, and prosper.