ESC executive director to receive Presidential Rank Award

  • Published
  • By Chuck Paone
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley announced Oct. 19 that Electronic Systems Center Executive Director Rich Lombardi is among the list of Presidential Rank Award Winners for 2010.

Each year, the President recognizes and celebrates a small group of career senior executives with the President's Rank Award for exceptional long-term accomplishments.

"Winners of this prestigious award are strong leaders, professionals and scientists who achieve results and consistently demonstrate strength, integrity, industry and a relentless commitment to public service," the Secretary said in announcing the winners.

Mr. Lombardi is being recognized in "the meritorious award" category, given for sustained accomplishment.

"Rich is one of the most dedicated and diligent leaders I've had the privilege to serve with," said Electronic Systems Center Commander Lt. Gen. Ted Bowlds. "I've been quite fortunate to have him as ESC executive director. He's made our center much stronger, and he truly deserves this award."

Mr. Lombardi has served as ESC executive director for two years, having returned to Hanscom AFB in October 2008. He attended high school and worked at the base commissary during his father's final active-duty Air Force assignment at Hanscom and later returned to the base as a captain assigned to ESC in 1984.

He retired from military service in 2004 and joined the senior executive service in 2005, where, among other assignments, he served as director of Budget Investment within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller.

The Air Force will honor Mr. Lombardi and his fellow award winners during an official ceremony planned for spring 2011.