Rear Admiral Robert F. Duncan serves as Senior Vice President, Business Development and Government Services, of Rivada Networks, having recently completed a distinguished career in the United States Coast Guard spanning over thirty four years. In his last assignment, Admiral Duncan served as Commander of the Eighth Coast Guard District, headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana. As District Commander, he was responsible for U.S. Coast Guard operations covering 26 states, the Gulf of Mexico and the extensive U.S. inland river system.

RADM Duncan has served on Coast Guard cutters and Navy combatants from the Bering Sea to the Persian Gulf. As a Flag Officer, he led the Commandant’s Task Force for Homeland Security, served as the Chief Counsel and Judge Advocate General of the Coast Guard, was appointed by Secretary Ridge to serve as the Federal Coordinator for the historic Iraqi voting in the southern region of the United States and led the Coast Guard’s rescue and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

For his leadership of those historic disasters, he was commended by President Bush, and the United States Senate and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Louisiana Legion of Merit, commended for his heroism by a Proclamation from the City of New Orleans and presented that city’s highest recognition; the Sieur de Bienville Founder’s Award. Additionally, Secretary Colin Powell presented Rear Admiral Duncan with the American Spirit Gold Medallion.

Admiral Duncan also serves as a Director on the Joint Executive Boards of the National Institute for Urban Search and Rescue ( NIUSR) and the National Consortium for Readiness in Emergencies ( N-CORE). An author, frequent panelist and speaker, Admiral Duncan continues to contribute to the national, and international, dialogue on Homeland Security, emergency operations, and crisis leadership.