Rob Manning, Director, National Programs Directorate
Rob Manning is the Director of the National Programs Directorate at the Bureau of Reclamation, a bureau within the Department of the Interior that manages and protects water and critical infrastructure in the 17 Western states. He oversees the divisions of Dam Safety, Asset Management, Power Resources, Preparedness, Security, and FOIA. He is responsible for setting strategic direction to strengthen operational resilience and ensure successful mission delivery.
Rob joined Reclamation in 2020, after serving as Vice President of Communications for the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation. Prior to his current role, he held positions as Director of Communications and Chief of Public Affairs at Reclamation.
Rob served 28 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Colonel. His distinguished career includes serving as Pentagon spokesperson for the 26th Secretary of Defense, director of Public Affairs for U.S. Forces Korea and United Nations Command, and multiple command and staff positions in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Balkans, and the Republic of Korea.
Rob is a native of Manning, South Carolina and earned a Bachelor of Art degree in Political Science from South Carolina State University. He also obtained a Master of Science in Public Administration (Media Studies) from Central Michigan University and a Master of Science in National Security Studies and Resourcing Strategy from the National Defense University (The Eisenhower School). He resides with his family in Triangle, VA.
