Jeffrey Dobson
Born 1945 · Age 80
Geographer, entrepreneur and CEO — founder of Data Research and Applications (InterLink USA) and Global Interlink Corporation; academic, veteran of varied roles in government/private sector, Reinhardt University alumnus & trustee, world traveler.
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Life & Career Timeline
Graduated Reinhardt College (class of 1965)
Attended Reinhardt College (two-year program at the time); member of Haygood Literary Society and editor of the Cherokee Phoenix yearbook.
Formed lifelong twin partnership with Jerome Dobson
Twin brother Dr. Jerome E. 'Jerry' Dobson is a lifelong collaborator and co-author.
B.A. from Western Carolina University (estimated)
Reportedly received a B.A. (source states Jeff holds B.A. and M.A. from Western Carolina); year estimated based on timeline.
M.A. from Western Carolina University (estimated)
Reportedly received an M.A. from Western Carolina University; date estimated.
Completed master's thesis travel in northern Sweden & Norway
Completed master's thesis work during summer 1973, involving bicycle travel near the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden and Norway.
Completed Ph.D. in Geography
Awarded a Ph.D. in geography (specializing in global resources) from the University of Georgia in 1978.
Academic appointments (post-PhD)
Taught as an assistant professor at Ohio State University, University of Alaska, University of Illinois, and University of Georgia (dates across late 1970s/early 1980s).
Served in U.S. Navy as public affairs officer (approx.)
Served two years in the Navy as public affairs officer for Naval Air Station New Orleans (timing described as following/around academic period; date approximate).
Principal geographer / HDR Sciences (reported)
Sources indicate a role as Principal Geographer and Head of Spatial Systems for HDR Sciences in Santa Barbara around 1980 (some sources differ on exact employer/dates).
Principal geographer at TRW Missiles & Space Division (1980–1981)
Worked on MX Missile System project as principal geographer on a project under study by the Carter and Reagan administrations (sources reference TRW in San Bernardino in 1980–1981).
Founded Data Research and Applications (later InterLink USA)
Founded Data Research and Applications in Knoxville, Tennessee (later renamed InterLink USA); served as President & CEO.
Transitioned into private sector entrepreneurship
After academic and government roles, moved into the private sector and launched his data/geography-focused companies.
Participated in founding the 'League of Ordinary Men'
Became part of a close-knit outdoor/adventure group formed in Knoxville in 1997, the League of Ordinary Men.
Provided negotiation & cross-cultural alliance services
Known for negotiating cross-cultural alliances tied to technology and security contracts (general role across 2000s and 2010s).
Developed multi-agency emergency collaboration platform (post‑9/11)
Created a platform enabling multiple agencies to collaborate in emergencies in response to the 9/11 attacks; product sold internationally.
Competed in Ernest Hemingway Look-Alike Contest (Key West)
Competed (with his twin Jerry) in the 2009 Hemingway look-alike contest in Key West; did not win.
Ended role as President & CEO of InterLink USA (reported)
Sources indicate he served as President & CEO of InterLink USA (Data Research & Applications) until 2009.
Public persona / appearances with twin onstage
Appeared publicly with twin Jerry in various events, including the 2009 Hemingway contest where they performed humorous material.
Worked on cross-cultural security & PR projects in Argentina
Longstanding business relationships in Argentina (via InterLink Latino America SA) led to work on Argentinian homeland security and communications projects (multi-year engagement around 2010s).
Founded Global Interlink Corporation
Founded Global Interlink Corporation and became President & CEO; company sells emergency-collaboration platforms and robust radios for hostile environments.
Introduced rugged digital radios for hostile environments
Global Interlink produced highly robust radios suited to inhospitable environments such as commuter rail systems and Antarctic bases.
Active civic leadership and board service (ongoing)
Served on multiple professional and civic boards dealing with maritime navigation data, tracking/routing, plasma core antennas and nanomaterials (dates unspecified, ongoing activity noted).
Co‑authored novels with twin brother
Co-wrote two science-mystery novels, The Waters of Chaos: The Ancient Saga and The Waters of Chaos: The Modern Quest (publication dates not specified in sources).
Honored as Reinhardt University's Distinguished Alumnus
Received Reinhardt University's Distinguished Alumnus of the Year award at the Talon Awards Gala (March 20, 2014) along with his twin Jerry.
Joined Reinhardt University Board of Trustees
Served on Reinhardt University's board of trustees beginning in 2016 and acted as an alumnus liaison for international partnerships.
Global Interlink worked on G‑20 security in Argentina
Argentina was a prominent Global Interlink client; provided security-related services for the G‑20 summit (Buenos Aires held G‑20 in Nov 2018).
Company products tested for Antarctic winters
Global Interlink's radios were subjected to Antarctic-winter testing as part of qualification for Argentine bases (date range across 2010s; 2019 used as representative year of ongoing work).
Provided COVID-19 Unified Security Command System to Argentina
Global Interlink supplied Argentina with its Unified Security Command System during the COVID-19 period (2020–2021 engagements referenced).
Reported global travel milestone: 57 countries & all seven continents
By 2023 Jeff had visited 57 countries and completed travel to all seven continents, including Antarctica.
Represented Reinhardt University in Antarctic partnership discussions
As an alumnus and trustee (since 2016), Jeff worked with Argentine institutions on possible student-exchange and joint research programs while in Argentina/Antarctica.
Visited Argentine Antarctic Marambio Base; stranded in storm
In March 2023 Jeff spent his 78th birthday snowed-in at Marambio Base in Antarctica for eight extra days; he received a helicopter tour and was called the oldest person on the base.
Continued leadership as President & CEO of Global Interlink (ongoing)
As of recent sources Jeff is still described as President & CEO of Global Interlink and InterLink USA (company leadership ongoing into the 2020s).
Residence & family status reported
Reportedly lives in Knoxville, Tennessee with wife (named Dana in some sources) and two daughters; long-term family ties to Reinhardt University.
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