Bob Delaney

About Bob Delaney

Bob Delaney’s life story has been told in his two books – Covert: My Years Infiltrating the Mob and Surviving the Shadows: A Journey of Hope into Post-Traumatic Stress – as well as on HBO Real Sports, ESPN, ABC Sports, CNN and numerous other TV, radio and press media outlets. His unique experiences will entertain and educate – from the landmark New Jersey State Police undercover operation infiltrating the Mafia to his days as an NBA referee running the courts to his insights into Leadership, Post-Traumatic Stress Management and Self Care. Bob’s latest book, with the co-author of his first two books, veteran journalist Dave Scheiber, is titled Heroes Are Human: Lessons in Resilience, Courage, and Wisdom from the COVID Front Lines. Bob’s contributions to PTS awareness and support to military officials and their families have been recognized with honors and proclamations from many, including President Barack Obama and senior-ranking military leaders. Notably, in 2010, President Barack Obama conferred upon Delaney the President’s Volunteer Service Award for his ongoing PTS education and awareness work with the military. He was the 2014 recipient of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Mannie Jackson Human Spirit Award. In 2017, he was recognized by the Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors (TAPS) with the National Community Partnership Award for his work with military Gold Star families and is a TAPS Advisory Board member. He received the United States Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal in 2011 for his assistance in the aftermath of the Fort Hood shootings and his work with troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. He now serves as a Special Advisor for the Southeastern Conference and is an NBA Cares Ambassador. Delaney is the 2020 recipient of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s highest honor—The Theodore Roosevelt Award, bestowed on four U.S. Presidents (Dwight Eisenhower, Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan) and other distinguished citizens. Delaney attended New Jersey City University, B.S. Criminal Justice and St. Mary’s College of California, M.A. Leadership. He is also a Harvard Global Mental Health Trauma Recovery alumnus and presents globally on leadership, resiliency, trauma, self-care.

Experience

1. Keynote Speaker

   Salem Speakers Bureau

   Jan 2026 — Present

Education

• New Jersey City University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Criminology

  1973

• Harvard University

  Global Mental Health Trauma and Recovery Certificate Program, Trauma

  2019

• Saint Mary's College of California

  Master of Arts - MA, Leadership

  2012