Bob Burton

Interim Director, DEFTECH

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 then as the Interim Director in January 2024. Bob will work as a member of the Defense Technology Transition (DEFTECH) office to connect the North Carolina innovation ecosystem with emerging and urgent technology requirements across the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security to provide optimum solutions for warfighters and law enforcement personnel. Bob assists current DEFTECH members with business development, capture, contract execution, and other capabilities, recommend actions, and assist in coordinating other resources to fill gaps and improve capabilities. At the same time, Bob will develop new relationships to grow the DEFTECH network to support new business opportunities in N.C.

Bob is a retired Special Forces CSM with over 30 years of special operations leadership starting from the 12-man SF Operational Detachment Alpha (SFODA). He influenced, led, and drove strategic results through more than ten years of executive-level leadership to include 3-star general officer trusted advisor 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 submission of problem statements for USSOCOM Special Operations capability needs. He provided the connective link between the Special Operations Mentor network and North Carolina State University in support of operational objectives. Encouraged innovation and experimentation in the development of a minimum viable product to solve 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 to grow and to develop their potential. Bob is excited to keep his roots in the military community, defense, and security sectors in N.C. Bob is helping North Carolina maintain and improve its status as the best place to innovate, live, work, and prosper.