Sessions of 2025 Summer Conference: Robert Garcia

Garcia, Robert

Work-Based Learning Director
Arizona Department Of Education

Robert Garcia is a 4th generation Arizona Native from south Phoenix and a resident of Goodyear for over 20 years. His education includes many classes, courses, and training while in the military, including a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, an undergraduate Diploma in Project Management, and a graduate diploma in Public Policy Management. Robert is a former Marine Gunnery Sergeant. His 22 years of service span from 1989-2011, where he deployed to Kuwait during operations Desert Shield / Storm, to LA during the Compton Riots, to Somalia during Operation Restore Hope, Peru during UNITAS, Africa during operation Global War on Terror, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Afghanistan during operation enduring freedom. Robert held many roles, including Platoon Sergeant, Team Chief, Company Gunny, Detachment Chief, Operations Chief, School Instructor, Recruiter, and Career Planner. Robert’s civilian career includes experience at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, the City of Phoenix, The Amazon Corporation, and the State of Arizona. Robert was also a franchise business owner. Robert has been appointed by the Arizona Governor to serve on the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board, the pre-9/11 MERF Board, support to the Workforce Arizona Council and Robert was appointed by the City of Goodyear Mayor to serve on the board of adjustment. Additionally, Robert volunteered with the Marine Scholarship Foundation, Tun Tavern Business Group, Honoring Americas Hero’s foundation, Arizona Latino Republican Association, Bunkers Lab, Arizona House Veterans Caucus and the Arizona Veterans Council. Robert currently works as a Workforce Business Strategy Consultant for the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity / Arizona Commerce Authority. He is a statewide workforce expert that provides counsel and guidance to companies, organizations and government officials.