Paul William Holtz-Dobie

Paul graduated from high school in Newport News, Virginia, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Before beginning his long civilian career, he proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a member of the 11th Light Infantry Brigade. His military service reflected the deep sense of duty that would guide him throughout his life.

Paul devoted more than five decades to the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), building an extraordinary 52-year career in civil engineering and public service. He served in numerous senior leadership roles, specializing in infrastructure development, emergency management, homeland security, and disaster response and recovery operations.

His work took him across the United States and around the world. He served in Kuwait as a Strategic Military Planner and Liaison Officer in support of Combined Joint Task Force operations. He deployed to Iraq in 2003 as a Senior Advisor for the Iraq Infrastructure Reconstruction Program, helping establish reconstruction planning efforts in Baghdad. He also served in Afghanistan, leading construction and site development operations in support of coalition forces.

Domestically, Paul played a critical leadership role in national disaster response efforts. He served as ESF #3 Team Leader for Public Works and Engineering during Hurricane Irene (2011), Hurricane Sandy (2012), and the 2009 tsunami in American Samoa. He led interagency levee task forces across multiple Midwestern states following severe flooding and contributed significantly to national contingency planning, flood risk management, and infrastructure security initiatives under the National Response Framework.

In recent years, Paul and his wife traveled together to Israel, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Denmark, creating meaningful memories while experiencing the architecture, landscapes, and traditions of each destination.

Throughout his distinguished career, Paul held senior executive positions including Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Security and Intelligence for the USACE South Pacific Division, Chief of National Security Emergency Preparedness, and Program Manager for Public Law 84-99 Disaster Operations. He was widely respected for his strategic vision, operational expertise, and steady leadership during some of the nation’s most challenging moments.

In addition to his operational leadership, Paul was deeply involved in policy development, training, and mentorship. He authored internal USACE white papers, contributed to professional publications, and helped shape doctrine and accreditation standards for emergency management programs. He was affiliated with the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Society of American Military Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, and the International Association of Emergency Managers.

He is survived by his wife, Jenine Holtz-Dobie; his stepsons, Conor (Angelina) and Evan; his grandson; his twin sister, Paulette Conrardy (Bob); sister-in-law Robbie Carlson (Mike); brother-in-law Drew Holtz (Cindy); and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Vallie Tilson; his sister, Carolyn Hinson; and his brother, Larry Dobie.

Military Honors will be presented at the Memorial Service at Radiant Church, 8630 Scarborough Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado, March 28, 2026 at 10 a.m.

Paul’s life was one of purpose, resilience, and integrity. From his service in Vietnam to his decades of leadership in civil engineering and national disaster response, he dedicated his life to serving others. He will be deeply missed and honorably remembered.