Biography

Robert N. Geis was appointed Deputy City Manager for the City of Chesapeake on July 1, 2016. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of California, San Diego, and a Master of Arts in National Security and Security Studies from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

Geis has also completed an executive program at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, a Department of Homeland Security Executive Leadership Program in Homeland Security, and the Hampton Roads CIVIC Leadership Institute.

Prior to entering civilian public service, Geis served as a U.S. Naval Officer for 30 years. He flew both the carrier-based S-3B Viking and F/A-18F Super Hornet and commanded Strike Fighter Squadron 211 (VFA-211), the Fighting Checkmates, during the first East Coast deployment of the Navy’s Super Hornet in 2006.

During his naval career, Geis deployed aboard USS America, USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Carl Vinson, USS George Washington, and USS Enterprise. His shore assignments included service on numerous staffs as well as command of Naval Air Station Oceana, where he led the Navy’s response and recovery effort following the “Good Friday Miracle” F/A-18 mishap in Virginia Beach in April 2012.

As Deputy City Manager, Geis oversees major operational departments for the City of Chesapeake, including Police, Fire, Emergency Management, Public Works, Public Communications, and the City Fleet and Garage.