Curtis L. Gardner has built a distinguished career on one simple but important principle: service. He is an expert at navigating the complex space where the U.S. Army, National Guard and defense contracting meet. His success is the result of his focus on translating the discipline of the military into practical and high-level civilian expertise.
But underlying everything Gardner does is a commitment to humility, constant growth and helping those around him succeed. As both an officer and a specialist in government contracts, he plays an important role in national defense logistics and his local community.
The Logistics Backbone
Gardner’s contracting work happens behind the scenes but is nonetheless important. Since 2019, he has served as a contract specialist for both the Army and the National Guard, responsible for obtaining crucial items, services and supplies for military units across Virginia. He handles large, high-stakes transactions and ensures the military has what it needs to operate effectively. One recent but important accomplishment of his was the successful completion of a five-year contract valued at over $250,000, which helped secure essential health care services throughout the state.
Gardner has had previous roles in logistics, serving as a materials management specialist at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond and as a materials technician for the city of Richmond. To stay on top of his field, Gardner earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix in 2015. He achieved Level 1 and Level 2 certifications under the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) in 2022.
From Soldier to Servant Leader
An important moment for Gardner came in 2019 when, after 15 years as a noncommissioned officer, he transitioned from the Army Reserves to the National Guard to become an officer. The change was motivated by his desire to increase his positive impact on the military, a goal he realized by combining his military leadership with his civilian contracting expertise.
Gardner credits his former supervisor, Staff Sgt. John Daniels, with an important leadership lesson: “Your job is to train the next person below you to take your job.” This focus on succession and empowerment now defines his leadership style. Instead of focusing solely on his own promotion, he actively mentors his platoon leaders to be ready to step into his current role, ensuring the unit improves when he moves on. He approaches every day as an opportunity to improve the current situation and is guided by a humility that keeps him open to learning new things.
Beyond the Uniform
Outside of his official duties, Gardner remains dedicated to giving back. He volunteers with the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, supporting veterans with disabilities. His military honors, including the Achievement Medal, Commendation Medal, and the Iraq Campaign Medal, all reflect his long history of service, resilience, and commitment.
Looking to the future, Gardner has plans to continue his current service. He aims to become a company commander while also securing greater authority to serve as a contracting officer. The combination of his professional drive and community involvement illustrates a life committed to service and helping others.
