TheBridge profile: Pasquale - Pat - Tamburrino Jr
Name: Pasquale - Pat - Tamburrino Jr
Current city: Washington, DC
Current job: Chief Administrative Officer, NobleReach Foundation
Past job: Senior Vice President, LMI; Chief of Staff, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel & Readiness
Q. How are you currently bridging the gap between innovation and regulation? Innovation's true power lies not in technology alone, but in the people who harness and apply it. NobleReach understands that to truly scale innovation, we must revitalize the partnership between government, academia, and the private sector. This triad forms the backbone of a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, where each sector plays a crucial role - from research and development to commercialization and real-world application. It will ultimately be these partnerships that solve our nation’s greatest challenges.
Q. Job advice in three words? Contribute every day!
Q. What can innovators learn from policymakers? Prior to joining NobleReach, I dedicated almost four decades of my life to federal service, gaining profound insights into the mindset of our nation's public servants. Contrary to popular belief, federal employees are not resistant to innovation—quite the opposite. They are committed professionals who are continuously striving to harness the power of government in novel ways to serve the public interest and improve the lives of citizens.
Q. What can policymakers learn from innovators? Federal research agencies drive innovation and tackle our nation's most pressing challenges, but to maintain the U.S.'s global leadership, these agencies urgently require highly skilled professionals. While the federal government has the potential to attract top talent, it must broaden its recruitment strategy beyond career civil servants. By creating flexible pathways for tech professionals to contribute their expertise to the public sector for defined periods, we can infuse government with cutting-edge skills and fresh perspectives. This approach not only enriches public service but also fosters a dynamic exchange between the public and private sectors, ultimately enhancing our national innovation ecosystem. By allowing and encouraging individuals to have experiences in the public and private sector, we create “dual citizens” who have deep understanding of how these two important parts of our national ecosystem interact – a great benefit.
Q. Can you describe a skill you have carried throughout your career that has always proved to be valuable? Communicating – I have constantly refined my oral and written communication skills. Being able to get your message across clearly and on point is crucial.
Q. Why are you part of TheBridge community? Why do you think it is important this community exists for tech, policy, and political professionals? Professionals across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors possess immense potential for collaboration and mutual support. However, without opportunities, cross-sector dialogue remains limited. This underscores the vital role of organizations like TheBridge and NobleReach in facilitating meaningful connections and fostering discussions among diverse professionals in various industries. By breaking down silos and creating platforms for interaction, these organizations catalyze innovation, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving that can address complex societal challenges more effectively.
Q. What is the best job interview question you have ever been asked? “What did you want to be when you were growing up?” This is not a technical or management style question. It is a human question and drives to who we are and what makes us special.
Q. Favorite spot for a coffee meeting? I like Bayou Bakery and Coffee Bar on Courthouse Road in Arlington, a little bit of New Orleans in Northern Virginia.
Q. Do you have a favorite book you recommend? I love the classics. I just re-read To Kill a Mockingbird. Some of the morality themes are so powerful.
Q. Each day is probably different, but are there certain skills you think are essential to your job? Empathy times 1000. You must create an environment where people will come engage with you. They need to feel comfortable with you as a person.
Q. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself in the beginning of your career? Slow down a little, learn your craft well, the promotions will come naturally.
Q. What's one piece of advice you are still trying to master? Focus on the truly important objective; ignore the noise.
Q. Favorite app? OpenTable – my wife and I are foodies – great way to find new places to eat.
Q. If you had to live in another city, which would it be? Florence, Italy. The food and the artwork are beyond fantastic. Imagine being able to see the David every day.
Q. Best advice you’ve received? Don’t go to a meeting and be silent – contribute something positive or else question why you were there.
Q. Last time you were completely unplugged? My wife and I went to Italy for our 40th wedding anniversary. We were totally focused on us and enjoying the art, food, culture.
Q. Morning routine? Everyday up @ 4:15 AM; say my morning prayers; 30-minute Peloton ride; make coffee for my wife.
Q. How often do you work from home? Two days per week. I have a very long commute. I can catch up on home work days and get 2-3 more productive hours.