By Taylor Holbrooks
Retired Master Sergeant Robert Moore is eager to be in Chapel Hill and put his decade-long career in project management expertise in the United States Air Force to work at the North Carolina Collaboratory. Robert’s journey as a project manager has taken him around the world, instilling in him a deep sense of appreciation for his American roots. Now, at the Collaboratory, he is ready to embark on a new chapter, using his experience and passion to drive change and innovation.
His father’s service in the Army influenced Robert’s early life. Growing up around Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), Robert was no stranger to military life. At one point, his family was stationed in Sicily, Italy, where he experienced the joys and challenges of living abroad. During these formative years, Robert developed an immense appreciation for his American heritage, reinforcing his sense of duty and dedication to his country and role as a project manager.
Having served in the Air Force for 24 years, Robert honed his skills and learned in an ever-changing environment that challenged him daily. “My experience has helped me expect the unexpected,” stated Robert. “There is no project that has come across my desk, and I say, ‘I can’t do this.’”
Robert pioneered several crucial projects during his time in the Air Force. In 2017, he spearheaded a significant ask from the Department of Defense’s budget by managing logistics and accomplishing a 100% conversion rate on all fly missions, in which personnel are sent to collect intel on enemy movements and other data to improve strategy. Robert proudly refers to this feat as his “crowning achievement.”
Robert is not just a dedicated professional and patriot, but also a devoted family man. Happily married for 25 years, he takes pride in raising his three children. His oldest daughter, Eliza, is a third-year student at Duke University, while his twins are in their second year of college – Bethany is studying psychology at Agnes Scott and Anthony is studying engineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Additionally, two furry companions, Puffy and Princess, Robert’s 12-year-old Pomeranians, add joy and warmth to the Moore household.
Aside from his family life, Robert is a sports enthusiast with a remarkable ability to explain the rules of virtually any sport. His love for sports extends beyond mere enjoyment – it reveals his analytical mind and ability to understand complex systems; skills that have proven invaluable in his career.
Robert’s first day at the Collaboratory was on July 10, and from the moment he stepped through the doors, he said that it “felt like the right fit.” The dynamic and innovative nature of the Collaboratory and the opportunity to work in project management aligned perfectly with his experience and aspirations. Robert’s aspirations center around discovering innovative approaches for diverse projects that drive transformative change, he thrives when tackling challenges that demand critical thinking to devise unique solutions to difficult problems. With an open mind and a proactive work ethic, he consistently seeks ways to make projects happen and fosters dialogue to drive change forward. Embracing collaboration and adaptability, he looks forward to working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and expertise, finding his niche in the Collaboratory’s broad scope of work.
“There is no project that has come across my desk, and I say, ‘I can’t do this.’”
Reflecting on his time in the Air Force, Robert highlights how it taught him to “go outside of my scope” and adapt to varying circumstances. These experiences have prepared him to handle any challenge that comes his way, instilling in him the confidence to tackle any project with determination and expertise.
With Robert Moore as the project manager, the Collaboratory gains a seasoned and passionate leader who brings a wealth of experience and a proactive approach. His dedication to his role, combined with his love for collaboration and innovative approaches, make him an ideal fit for the Collaboratory’s mission. As he forges ahead in this new role, Robert’s expertise will undoubtedly pave the way for exciting advancements and transformative projects that will impact the community and beyond.
Taylor Holbrooks (Hometown: Charlotte, NC) is a graduate student at the UNC-Chapel Hill Hussman School of Journalism and Media and is working as a communications intern with the North Carolina Collaboratory for the 2023 fall semester.