Robert L. Edmonson II

After completing his bachelor’s degree and earning a commission into the United States Army, Major General (Ret) Robert L. Edmonson II rose to the rank of two-star General. In his final assignment, he served as Commanding General of a global IT enterprise comprised of 9K soldiers, federal civilians and government contractors at 56 locations in 24 states and 20 locations overseas with a financial portfolio of 3.1B. Edmonson is a combat veteran who earned the Bronze Star Medal and also an experienced executive who earned a Master Degree in Information Resource Management, Master Degree in National Security Strategy, as well as the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate. Being adopted into a loving family as a child greatly influenced his leadership-style and combined with a distinguished 33-year military career, he developed a strong passion for servant leadership. Edmonson readily shares his thoughts aimed at unlocking the best in us through the “Essentials of Professional Leadership” and prides himself on the success of others by teaching, coaching and mentoring servant leaders to achieve their dreams - because “You Belong”!

Edmonson augmented relationships with communities, strategically integrating media relations, graphic, and publishing functions into a synergistic organization. This included building partnerships with universities and colleges to advance economic and employment opportunities at Aberdeen Proving Ground, which is the state’s sixth largest employer (twice being recognized by the state as part of the Maryland Power 100 community-conscious employers).

Finally, Edmonson gained national attention when he was featured on ABC World News with Martha Raddatz and the Tamron Hall Show where he shared a remarkably story about being adopted by a US Soldier and his wife in Germany, never knowing that he had two biological half-brothers one of which he served with in the Army, joined the same fraternity, wives were in the same sorority and both were nurses.