Alumni Snapshot: Major General Robert (Bob) Lee

Title:
Major General

Current Organization:
Hawaiian National Guard

Perot Systems Experience:
Bob served as General Manager for the Pacific Area Operations of PSGS for 3 years. He worked with the US Navy on submarine maintenance projects. When he left, PSGS was working on obtaining the miniature submarine maintenance contract in Pearl Harbor.

How did you make the change from Perot Systems to the Hawaiian National Guard?
In 2002 there were many political changes in Hawaii, including the election of our first female governor. She asked me to join her cabinet, and when government calls, you have to oblige! My role encompasses running the Army National Guard, the Air National Guard, Civil Defense and Homeland Security. I was recently reconfirmed and will serve for another 4-year term.

Bob with Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle at the comissioning of the U.S.S. Hawaii nuclear submarine in Pearl Harbor

What do you like most about your current role?
Having a chance to work with people on issues important to the state of Hawaii, and that affect our nation at the highest levels. The issues we deal with affect every American. Issues like providing Homeland Security, and after disasters like Hurricane Katrina, helping citizens recover. I am proud to be involved with supporting our troops and their families as they have answered America’s call to duty. Ninety five percent of Hawaii’s Army National Guard have served in Iraq or Afghanistan.

What experience did you gain from Perot Systems that helped lead you to where you are today?
Perot Systems taught me the business side of the house. There aren’t many Generals who have had experience working in the private sector. When I joined the Hawaii State cabinet, we were 250 million dollars in debt. Within 4 years we turned the state’s finances around and are now in the black to the tune of 750 million dollars! Hawaii now has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. We wanted to make sure it was a much friendlier business climate in the State of Hawaii.

Bob reviewing the damaged areas on the Big Island of Hawaii following the earthquake on October 16, 2006

Who was your role model or mentor during your career at Perot Systems?
Jim Ballard and Greg Bedner were my mentors. When joining Perot Systems Government Services I had just retired as the head nuclear engineer at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard for Nuclear Regional Maintenance and was new to the business world. They taught me this new side which gave me more confidence in my work.

Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Hawaii.

What do you like to do outside of work?
Golf is my favorite pastime, but I don’t have as much time as I would like to play! Hawaii had the toughest golf course in the nation right here: Koolau on the island of Oahu. Pinehurst got wind of it and now the Number Two course is the most challenging course in the United States!

I enjoy spending time with my wife, Judi, who is now retired from her career in social work. Our son, Bryan, is a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army at Fort Benning, Georgia. Alison, our daughter, is working in Irvine, California as a Civil Engineer for a private development firm. Everyone is so spread out, it’s tough to get together, but we try our best!

Bob and WWII veterans taking delivery of a new C-17 Globemaster straight from the Boeing assembly plant in Long Beach, CA.

What is something exciting that you have done lately?
Although I’m an Army guy, on May 5th I had the opportunity to be part of the commissioning of a brand new nuclear submarine, the U.S.S. Hawaii, soon to be based in Pearl Harbor. Perot Systems Government Services should try to obtain that maintenance contract!