Richard Phillips

Background

About Richard Phillips

Serves as the Chief of Protocol to the Commanding General U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (MRDC) and Fort Detrick, Maryland. Supports the Deputy Commanding General, Chief Of Staff, SES's and Command Sergeant Major with 13 sub-commands and joint activities to include U.S. Navy, Air Force, Public Health Services, and Defense Health Agency. Develops comprehensive plans, supervises, coordinates and executes all aspects of protocol support for distinguished visitors, ceremonies, conferences, as well as other official social events crucial to the fulfillment of the MRDC mission. Primary conference protocol liaison for Korea, Israel, Germany and Canada. Advises leadership in both U.S. and foreign order of precedence, customs, and cultural differences. Interacts professionally with senate, congressional staffers, and multiple embassies. Planned four international joint medical conferences with foreign nations. Develops and implements protocol policy and procedures to provide guidance for MRDC based on established goals and guidance to include planning and orchestrating VIP visits, meetings, ceremonies, flags and special events local and abroad. Delivers presentations on program status, issues, requirements, and program objectives to senior military officers and civilians of the command. Communicates clearly to explain programs, requirements, projects or activities to both internal and external audiences. Determines or recommends appropriate actions on protocol issues that impact the organization and command. Analyzes and evaluates the protocol program, establishing goals and objectives based on the commander's guidance. Prepares local policies and procedures governing all facets of planning for official ceremonies and social events. Expert knowledge of Army, Air Force and sister services protocol guidance. Coordinates changes to Army Pamphlet, Defense Health Agency, Department Of Defense, Army Future Command and Medical Research Development Command protocol policies and procedures to provide protocol guidance and advice across MRDC, Fort Detrick and all Direct Reporting Units worldwide. Manages planning, coordination, and execution of all aspects to include coordination for all distinguished visitor arrivals, lodging, transportation, set-ups, and representational meal and gift exchanges. Responsibly maintains the Official Representational Funds (ORF) Coordination and ORF locker, protocol budget, and Government Purchase Card.