Mr. Cantwell is the president of Odell International, a program management firm headquartered in Charlotte, NC. His firm works with clients in the Middle East in healthcare, security, and project management.
Richard D. Cantwell is a 1975 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and is a decorated combat veteran. He completed a distinguished 20-year career in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1995. Rick received a Masters Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas in 1983 and the Construction Executive Program at Stanford in 1987.
As the Engineer Program Manager of the United States Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, Rick was responsible for the planning, programming, budgeting, design and construction of all facilities. Rick was routinely called upon to testify and brief Congressional committees where he earned the trust and respect of many senior leaders. Rick was a member of special operations teams that conducted threat and vulnerability assessments in dozens of countries around the world.
Mr. Cantwell commanded a 625-man combat engineer battalion in South Korea stationed on the 38th parallel of the Demilitarized Zone to plan for and prepare against aggression by North Korea.
After 27 years of experience in special operations engineering, program management, and security operations, Richard D. Cantwell is a subject matter expert on counterterrorist procedures and methodologies. Congresswoman Sue Myrick appointed Mr. Cantwell as the Chairman of her Homeland Security Task Force. Additionally, Mr. Cantwell co-chairs the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Homeland Security Working Group with Major General (Retired) Wynn Mabry.
Professional Experience
Served 20 years with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. In the position of MACOM Engineer for the United States Army Special Operations Command, responsible for the Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution of all facilities. Supervised the Long Range Planning, Environmental Assessment, and Master Planning for the command. Supervised the preparation and submission of Capital Investment Programs and Project Development Brochures. Supervised the planning and construction for the Special Operations Medical Training Facility at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.
Other Experience
UAE Military Medical Upgrade Program, Abu Dhabi, UAE; Security Operation Training Facility, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina; Special Operations Forces Headquarters, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina; 3rd Special Forces Group, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina; 10th Special Forces Group, Ft. Carson, Colorado; Special Operations Medical Training, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina; Civil Affairs / Pysops Group, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina; Special Operations Diving Facility, Key West, Florida; United States Army Special Operations Worldwide Facilities, (35 US States plus 4 International Sites).