Robert T. Hastings Jr. is an American public relations and strategic communications professional who has served as an executive in several aerospace and defense corporations and as a political appointee in the administration of President George W. Bush, where he was the senior public affairs official and principal spokesman for the U.S. Department of Defense in 2008–2009.
Mr. Hastings has been recognized with a number of awards for his public service including the America’s Future Series LTC James "Maggie" Megellas Award, presented annually to a distinguished military leader who has gone on to demonstrate continued service to the country; the PRSA Lloyd.
B. Dennis Distinguished Service Award, given annually to an exemplary professional who has used his or her public affairs skills to promote truth, demonstrated high standards of integrity and honesty in business dealings, and who has helped effect positive change within an organization; and the University of Maryland Distinguished Alumni Award.
He piloted the AH-1 Attack Helicopter with the 7th Infantry Division, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and the Army Combat Developments Experimentation Command.
Col. Hastings joined the Texas State Guard in 2010 from the Maryland Defense Force where he served for five years as the Director of Public Affairs.
During his tenure with The Pentagon, Hastings was a driving force in the development of the Department’s Strategic Communications concept of operations.
Hastings remains active in Defense Public Affairs Policy today as an advisor, counselor and speaker for NATO and numerous US and allied military commands.
Additionally, Mr. Hastings serves on the Board of Directors of the USO Metropolitan DC, and the Advisory Council for the University of Florida Master’s program in Global Strategic Communication.