Dr. Anthony Cardinale served as Director of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (now Department of Defense Education Activity) from 1976 – 1982

Dr. Anthony Cardinale was the first person to serve in the position of Director of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools. Dr. Cardinale received his B.S. degree from Wilson Teachers College and his M.A. and Ed. D. degrees in “Guidance, Curriculum, Elementary and Secondary School Administration” from George Washington University. Dr. Cardinale began his career as a teacher in the Arlington County Public Schools after serving as a Colonel in the United States Marine Corps. In August 1957, he became Assistant Director, Overseas Dependents Schooling Branch, Bureau of Naval Personnel, Department of the Navy. After serving as Director of that activity for five years, Dr. Cardinale assumed those duties with the Department of Defense.

Dr. Cardinale served as an adjunct professor at the Command and Staff College, Marine Corps Education and Development Center, Quantico, Virginia; as well as instructor at the University of Virginia, Northern Virginia Extension Center, teaching in the fields of curriculum and school administration. He was a Board Member of the Fairfax County School Board in Virginia, the Knights of Columbus, and the St. Coletta School of Greater Washington. Other accomplishments include being 1948 Lightweight Champion Weight Lifter of the District of Columbia, Charter member of the Senior Executive Service of the U.S. Government, and recipient of the George Washington University Alumni Achievement Award.