Robert Mancini '83

robert-mancini

“Sometimes I still have dreams of those great times at Radford University and the hard work I put in during my time there.  I remember it quite fondly and I will always have a place in my heart for Radford,” says Robert Mancini ’83.

Mancini was a business administration major with a minor in mathematics and involved with the Student Government Association (SGA). He said that the SGA helped him grow confidence and leadership skills.  “I got the chance to get involved in things and be more than just a student going to class.  I got to know the administration, to build relationships with them and to be treated as an equal,” says Mancini. 

After graduating, Mancini found his love for technology.  “I came back to Radford to earn my MBA, but I left the program because I wanted to get into the field of technology.  I was hired by a startup company, now commonly known as American Online (AOL).  I worked with alumnus Eileen Bramlet ’82, and to this day, we are still good friends,” says Mancini. 

After leaving AOL, Mancini worked for multiple companies until accepting the job as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in Washington, D.C.’s government.  "Washington D.C. is a city, state and county, but it operates like a state.  I had the opportunity to deliver technology solutions to numerous agencies and lead a successful team, which was a wonderful experience and reward," says Mancini.  As CTO, Mancini was responsible for solving the technology problems of different agencies in an effective and efficient way. 

Mancini is now Director in Risk Advisory Services for Dixon Hughes Goodman Metro DC Region.  Dixon Hughes Goodman ranks among the nation's top 20 public accounting firms.  It offers comprehensive assurance, tax and advisory services and serves clients in all 50 states and internationally.

Throughout his career, Mancini has participated as a guest speaker, roundtable member and live interview engagements at Tech America, Statescoop, Security Innovation Network, CIO Executive Conference and Beyond the Beltway Forum. He has been honored with the 2012 White House Champion of Change for Broadband Networking and Adoption, the 2012 Computerworld Honors Laureate in Information Technology Staff Augmentation, the 2013 Computerworld Honors Laureate, Economic Dvelopment and Broadband Adoption and the 2014 Center for Digital Government First Place Best of the Web awards.

No matter where Mancini is working, he constantly has to adapt.  "Whatever field you choose, always be in tune with new things.  Doctors always have to practice medicine in order to keep current; you expect them to do that.  I think that applies to every field.  You must always have your finger on the pulse and learn the latest techniques and tools for the changes that are happening.  Your work hasn't finished when you graduate, it has only just begun," says Mancini. 

Mancini learned that success is a combination of demanding the best from yourself in all that you do and treating others well.  "I cherish the experience that I had at Radford because it helped make me who I am today.  There is no mystery to how I got where I am -- hard work, continuous growth, lifelong learning, and Radford University," says Mancini.