Cardell Richardson, Sr. interview transcript, 2018-07-07

Item

Identifier: dcpl_dcohc_008_04_tra

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

In this interview, Cardell K. Richardson, Sr. discusses his focused and intentional path in search of respect and success while "putting God first". This is a path that took him to McKinley Technical High School in D.C. after discovering an affinity and aptitude for mechanical drawing, to Howard University's School of Architecture, to the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, from which he retired in 2003 after 26 years of service. His post-military career took a different turn than anticipated: instead of joining an architectural firm he accepted a position with one of the \u2018big six' intelligence agencies, the National Geospatial- Intelligence Agency where he is presently Inspector -General. He has served this agency in both the Obama and Trump Administrations and, extraordinarily, has earned a Presidential Rank award in each.

Dates

Other: 2018-07-07

Creator

Richardson, Cardell K., Sr. (Person)
Wright, Pandit (Person)

Language of Materials

English

Extent

From the Collection: 1.13 Terabytes

Additional Description

Bibliography

Cardell K. Richardson, Sr. is the son of Charles Franklin Richardson, a government worker who migrated from rural life in New Bern, North Carolina to Washington DC in the 1940's, and Mary Bernetta Parker Richardson, a native Washingtonian and government employee who had the distinction of owning her own home even prior to her marriage in 1949, Mr. Richardson was christened at Asbury UMC as were 3 other siblings, 2 children and 4 grandchildren. In 1977 his marriage to Terrell Junior High School girl-friend and high school sweetheart, Jackie Taylor, took place at Asbury.Mr. Mr. Richardson is the Inspector General of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). Immediately prior to this assignment, Mr. Richardson served as the NGA Equality Executive and Director of the Office of Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), was responsible for developing NGA's Diversity Inclusion Strategic Plan, and served as an advisor to the Director, Deputy Director and other senior leadership within NGA on diversity and EEO matters. Mr. Richardson joined NGA and was appointed to the Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Service in July 2003 after serving 26-years active duty. He is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel. While in the Air Force he served as a civil engineering officer/commander and base commander directing facility and site operations throughout CONUS, Central Europe, the Balkans, South Korea, and the Pacific. During his distinguished military career, he served at the National Military Command Center, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Mr. Richardson holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Howard University, a Master of Public Administration degree from Webster University, a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy from National Defense University and attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University and the Kellogg School of Business, Northwestern University. He is a graduate of CAPSTONE General Officers class 2006-03. Mr. Richardson is the proud recipient of the prestigious Presidential Rank Award.