Meet the Candidate
Robert Flora was born in Elwood Kansas and raised on his grandparents farm just south of Kansas City, Missouri. Growing up with no running water or indoor plumbing, he didn’t have a lot of luxuries but did understand that economic opportunities for families are extremely important. His family taught him to always work hard, support his neighbors and be very grateful for their blessing and to each other.
After high school he worked several different jobs but was looking for a career opportunity. His father suggested that he consider joining the Air Force which he did. As an electronics technician he was trained on F-4 jets and subsequently as a broadcast television engineer. Later he was chosen to become a technical trainer and was certified as a Master Trainer. During his military career he was stationed both stateside and overseas. As a result, Rob learned many perspectives on different cultures and experiences. After 20 years in the Air Force Rob retired and moved onto his next career opportunity in Las Cruces.
As the company’s training manager he traveled nationally and internationally (Taiwan, Japan, Argentina, Brazil. England and Canada) to train several hundred broadcast engineers and technicians. This allowed him to gather best practices of a diverse range of knowledge and insight that has shaped much of how to best deal with complex bureaucracies and with people.
In 2000, Rob joined NMSU as an electronics technician where he provided technical expertise for numerous departments and systems throughout the campus. Over the years his initiatives, his ability to work well with others and his “can do” skills improved NMSU’s facilities. After more than 19 years, Rob retired from the university.
Rob has lived in Radium Springs for more than 25 year, enjoying his retirement and visiting his 18 grandchildren.