Bob is a native of Knoxville and a graduate of Bearden High School, Class of 1970.  Following his initial military enlistment, Bob received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Tennessee in 1977.

In 1978, Bob began a 17-year career with the Tennessee Valley Authority Public Safety Service.  In 1985, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and supervised police, fire and emergency medical operations at several TVA hydro-electric and fossil-fueled power plants. During this time, he also served as member of the Tennessee Air National Guard, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant in Fire Protection, from which he retired in 1997 with 26 years of service.

In 1995, Bob accepted a position with the Public Building Authority (PBA) as the Manager of Safety and Services.  In this position, Bob supervised security and life safety concerns at all PBA owned and managed properties.  In 2000, Bob was named the Director of Property Management.  Today he manages a property portfolio of more than 1.7 million square feet and two public parks located within the central business district.

Bob is a graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and the Air National Guard Non-Commissioned Officer's Academy.  He was awarded a Master of Science Degree in Safety Education and Services from The University of Tennessee in 1999.

Bob's volunteer commitments include 15 years of service to youth as a volunteer baseball coach.  Bob also serves in a position of responsibility with Delta Waterfowl, a non-profit waterfowl conservation organization.  He is a member of Trout Unlimited and an unaccomplished fly fisherman.

Bob and his wife, Barbara, celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in March 2003.  They have 2 grown children, Bart and Sara Buff, both of whom live and work in the Knoxville area.