About

Rob Gaudet, a well-rounded and accomplished figure in both professional and community circles, hails from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Best known as the CEO and founder of the disaster response nonprofit Cajun Navy Ground Force, he can also be characterized by his close to 30 years of experience in technology as a programmer and systems engineer. With a deep passion for soccer and an impressive resume as a distinguished speaker and nonprofit leader, he embodies the values of empathetic service and athletic leadership.

Professional Legacy: Trailblazer in Technology and Disaster Response

Born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Gaudet’s foray into technology started in the late 90s. His database design and development expertise grew from his early programming and systems engineering roots. In 2006, he consulted for Microsoft, instrumental in crafting test exams used by developers worldwide. His rich technical background laid the foundation for his later career endeavors.

In 2016, he leaped into the nonprofit sphere, founding the Cajun Navy Ground Force. As an innovative force in the world of disaster response, his contributions to the field have been widely recognized, earning him the title of 2016’s Louisiana of the Year. His nonprofit gathered national attention, becoming a question on the renowned Jeopardy Game Show and generating media appearances on numerous national news platforms.

Leadership and Activism: Transforming Disaster Response from Ground-Zero

Rob's everlasting quest to deliver high-impact strategies for disaster management led him to spend 2.5 years out of the last four living in the center of disaster scenes. By personally immersing himself in such environments, he discovered valuable insights and lodging his heart further into his mission to continue refining disaster response techniques using his technological prowess. His empathetic approach to disaster response and technical wisdom have significantly shaped the Cajun Navy Ground Force and greatly impacted the disaster management industry.

Community Engagement: Captain of the Renegades (Soccer)

Away from the disaster zones and tech paraphernalia, Gaudet immerses himself in the thrilling world of soccer. Starting as a coach for his son's team in 2001, he now captains an indoor soccer team, the Renegades, where he’s renowned for keeping up with players half his age. His love for the sport dates back to his childhood in the '70s and '80s, before soccer garnered its current popularity in the U.S.

Throughout his soccer journey, he learned the value of camaraderie and the positive influence of sports on mental and physical health. He sees soccer as a stabilizing factor in his life and an outlet for releasing energy positively. His enduring involvement in this beloved pastime underscores his devotion to teamwork, leadership, and empathy on and off the field.

Inspirational Speaker: Embodying Leadership and Empathy

His empathetic leadership distinction invited him to deliver the keynote speech at the 2019 National Association of Attorneys General in Washington, DC. His profound insights into disaster management evoked robust responses from fellow speakers and audiences alike. He attests that his presentation at the prestigious Wharton School about his nonprofit solidified his standing as a leader in his field. He inspires others through such platforms with his leadership story and empathetic community service.

Rob Gaudet’s life journey is a testament to his embodying and championing the virtues of empathy and leadership. Whether addressing a national symposium or playing a soccer match, these values shine through his actions and decisions, painting a compelling portrait of a determined leader and empathetic community servant.