Brigadier General Robert S. Cooley Jr. has led a distinguished career in both military service and entrepreneurship, with a strong commitment to leadership, innovation, and wellness.
Military Career
A 1989 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Rob earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and began his career as a Field Artillery Fire Direction Officer with the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. After active duty, he transitioned to the Army Reserve, specializing in civil affairs and strategic operations.
Over his military tenure, he held key leadership positions, including:
Operations Officer, 448th Civil Affairs Battalion, Baghdad, Iraq
Civil Affairs Planner, Multinational Forces – Iraq, MNF-I
Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) – Khost, Afghanistan
Commander, 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion, Greensboro, NC
Chief of Staff, 352nd Civil Affairs Command, Fort Meade, MD
Commander, 1st Mobilization Support Group, Fort Totten, NY
Deputy Commander, 85th Support Command, Arlington Heights, IL
Commanding General, 353rd Civil Affairs Command, Staten Island, NYC
Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Reserve Command, Fort Bragg, NC (April 2020 – August 2021)
Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Reserve Command, Fort Bragg, NC (April 2020 – August 2021)
As Chief of Staff for U.S. Army Reserve Command, he oversaw operations across multiple locations, ensuring strategic readiness and support for Army Reserve personnel worldwide.
Entrepreneurial Leadership
Following his military service, Rob co-founded Nuream, a Wilmington, NC-based company specializing in innovative sleep solutions. His personal experience with combat-related sleep challenges inspired him to create products designed to enhance restorative sleep.
Under his leadership, Nuream has:
Developed customized mattresses and sleep accessories using hypoallergenic and organic materials
Integrated sleep science and sustainability into product design
Pioneered Fabric-as-a-Sensor (FAAS) technology to monitor brain activity during sleep
Formed a partnership with the Clayton Sleep Institute (September 2024) to advance sleep science and wellness
His transition from military leader to health-focused entrepreneur reflects his commitment to leveraging science, innovation, and personal experience to improve veteran well-being and overall health.
My “Why” for Joining Elpis Alliance?
“Sleep is the foundation of physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being—yet too many veterans struggle with restorative sleep after service. Through Elpis Alliance, I am dedicated to bringing cutting-edge sleep solutions, research, and resources to help veterans optimize their health, recovery, and quality of life. This mission is personal, and I am committed to making an impact where it matters most.”