CCAD Deputy and Chief Operations Officer Roderick Benson Serving as DMC’s Commencement Speaker at American Bank Center This Friday, May 17
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May
2024
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19:16 PM
Europe/Amsterdam
College graduating 926 “prospective” graduates overall with 695 committed to “walking the stage”
Article by DMC College Relations Office
(Updated May 22, 2024 with video clip of keynote address.)
Roderick Benson_Corpus Christi Army Depot Deputy and Chief Operations Officer_Credit to Shoocha Photography
But, before the College’s newest graduates “walk the stage,” Commencement speaker Roderick “Rod” Benson, Deputy and Chief Operations Officer with the Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD), will share his own words of wisdom prior to the College’s newest graduating class embarking on their next journey.
In his role, Benson brings over 30 years of leadership experience to CCAD. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Oceanography, he also possesses a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business.
Throughout his distinguished military career, Benson served in various leadership positions that included campaigns and deployments to Haiti, Operation Southern Watch, Northern Edge and Iraqi Freedom.
Benson then leveraged this expertise in the private sector and led key initiatives for several Fortune 500 companies. He joined the Corpus Christi Army Depot in 2006 and quickly rose through the ranks to eventually become the Senior Civilian Leader of this billion-dollar organization and one of the economic engines of the Coastal Bend. His experience in the private sector––including companies such as Abbott Laboratories, where he served as Director of Engineering Operations for Global Engineering and then Site Director in Puerto Rico––has since been instrumental in driving operational efficiency at CCAD and its contribution to the National Defense Strategy.
Benson’s dedication and leadership are evident in his accomplishments and awards, including the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.
He and his wife Rachel have three children––son Roderick Benson, Jr. and daughters Arianna Benson and Danielle Carnes––and two grandchildren, Janelle and Jake Carnes. His hobbies include barbequing, ranching, hunting and fishing.
Updated with the keynote address given May 17 by Mr. Benson:
About Del Mar College
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.
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