Albertus Class of 2023 Commencement Speaker, Robert Solano, '00

5/15/2023

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Solano, '00 is an accomplished officer in the United States Army, currently serving as the Commander of the Defense Contract Management Agency at Boeing in Mesa, AZ.

His team oversees the production of the AH-64 Apache helicopter and other aircraft components, managing $25 billion in government contracts. His leadership supports our nation's warfighters by ensuring the timely delivery of quality products.

As a senior Army Aviator with multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Robert has honed his skills in organizational leadership, program management, and government contracting. As an engineer, he is skilled in artificial intelligence, aviation systems, and advanced weapons systems development. His impressive career has taken him to work at the Army Artificial Intelligence Integration Center, Palantir Technologies, U.S. Special Operations Command, and other procurement and aviation units.

Robert is originally from Spring Valley, NY. He graduated from Albertus Magnus High School in 2000. Robert holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the United States Military Academy at
West Point, a master's degree in aerospace engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and a master's certificate in Aviation Doctoral Studies (All but dissertation) from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Outside of the military, Robert is also an accomplished author, business coach, and student mentor. He currently lives in Phoenix, AZ with his wife and two daughters.

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