Robert J. Thomas

While in high school in North Platte, Nebraska, Thomas was selected to the All-State football team and was also a Scholastic All-American in his senior year.

He was appointed to the United States Air Force Academy, where he received a bachelor of science degree in engineering management in 1967.

He was also a member of the academy's track and field team, participating in the sprint medley, shot put and discus.

[2] In November of that same year, he was promoted to corporate chief operating officer, with Peter Steinlauf (the controlling shareholder) assuming the titles of chairman and CEO.

[5] In February 1997, Thomas was appointed as an advisory board member to the "One America in the 21st Century: The President's Initiative on Race" commission[6] as the sole business representative on the seven-person body.