Hawk joined NAVREF in 2014 and currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer. He brings experience in public health, research, and military service to strengthen veteran healthcare and research collaborations. At NAVREF, he supports and advocates for the unique network of congressionally authorized VA-affiliated research sites who administer over $300 million in extramural funding, supplementing the VA’s appropriated research budget.
A veteran himself, Hawk served as an officer in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps, specializing in medical operational planning during Operation Enduring Freedom. Additionally he has also held a role as a field epidemiologist, collaborating with the CDC and Florida Department of Health to combat HIV. His military background, combined with expertise in healthcare systems and epidemiology, provides valuable insight into veteran-focused research initiatives.
Hawk holds a Master of Public Health with specialized training in Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Health Administration, and Tropical Medicine.