Tony Sampson, PhD

Sr Consultant

Dr.  Anthony “Tony” Sampson, is a retired Air Force colonel with over 24 years of distinguished service.  He is a dynamic and accomplished leader with a wealth of expertise spanning leadership development, keynote speaking, business growth, recruiting and talent acquisition, collegiate athletics administration and coaching, graduate-level teaching, curriculum development, cyberspace operations, digital marketing, data analytics, and managing large, cross-functional teams. His proven ability to drive growth through strategic planning, innovation, and team-building has made him a leader in the defense, corporate, and nonprofit sectors.  

Dr. Sampson served as the Associate Dean of the Air War College, leading over 100 faculty, and U.S. and foreign military leaders in a master’s degree program, while serving as the Athletic Director for the college’s 13-sport Olympic-style program.  He also held a position as the military Commander and Regional Director of Recruiting in a 5-state northeastern region. He served in multiple positions for the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Athletic Department, including Director of Strategic Initiatives, Director of Alumni Relations, Director of Football Operations, and Coach and Recruiting Coordinator.  As a recognized military expert in information technology and cyberspace operations, he stood up the first Combatant Command level Cyberspace Operations Center for cyber planning and foreign partnerships in DoD’s 31-nation Latin American region.  He also founded and chaired a Recruiting Innovation Council for eastern U.S. and Europe, further solidifying his reputation as a forward-thinking strategist.

Dr. Sampson earned his doctorate in Management (Health & Human Performance) with a concentration in Sports from the University of Florida, and a research focus in recruitment, marketing, consumer behavior, and data analytics.  He has a master’s degree in Information Operations (Cyberspace, Influence & Electronic Operations) from the Naval Postgraduate School with research in creating custom value.  He earned his commission from U.S. Air Force Academy, with a bachelor’s of science degree in Social Sciences.  He also holds executive certificates in cybersecurity policy, and managing diversity, equity & inclusion.  Dr. Sampson is a sought-after consultant with a uniquely diverse blend of operations, team building, academia, athletics, business development, and talent development experiences, particularly suited to help organizations with cross-functional strategic planning, leader development, and problem-solving needs.