Robert T. Hastings Jr.

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.

Hastings is the Principal for the leadership and communications consultancy, Robert Hastings & Associates, LLC, which works in the aerospace, defense and mobility sectors.

Hastings was appointed Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs in March 2008 and subsequently nominated by President Bush to be the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs.

Hastings has also held a number of leadership roles in key industry associations and community organizations, including Board of Directors for Public Relations Society of America, USO of Metropolitan DC, Armed Services YMCA, National Defense Industrial Association, and Army Aviation Association of America. He served as Chairman of the North Texas Commission.

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. .... as well as induction into the Hall of Fame for both the US Army Officer Candidate School and the Defense Information School.