FLIR Systems, two-time Winner of the 2017 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program, as well as four-time Winner of the 2016 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, FLIR has announced that David Ray has been named President of the Government & Defense Business Unit, effective January 8th, 2018.
Reporting to FLIR President and CEO, Jim Cannon, Mr. Ray will be responsible for leading all aspects of the Government & Defense business unit, including strategy, R&D, operations, business development, and marketing.
Mr. Ray was employed at Raytheon Company since 2002, a $24 billion technology company specializing in defense, civil government, and cybersecurity solutions.
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Since 2015, he held the position of Vice President, Global Business Development and Strategy for the company’s Intelligence, Information and Services segment, serving Intelligence, Department of Defense, Federal/Civil, and international customer markets.
In this role, Mr. Ray’s responsibilities included global new business, sales operations, marketing, government relations, and M&A strategy.
Ray previously served in numerous leadership positions in business development, general management, and government relations during his tenure at Raytheon.
He began his private-sector career as a Senior Management Consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton.
Mr. Ray received a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from the United States Air Force Academy and served five years in the United States Air Force at Andrews Air Force Base and the Pentagon where he led teams responsible for communications-related projects designed to support senior members of the government and military.
He also earned a Master of Science in systems management and strategy from Central Michigan University.
“I’m pleased to welcome David as FLIR’s new President for the Government & Defense Business Unit,” said James Cannon, President and CEO of FLIR.
“David brings a wealth of experience in both managing and growing large technology businesses that serve government customers around the world.”
“We’re proud to add David, a veteran of the United States Air Force, to the FLIR senior leadership team and look forward to his contributions at FLIR.”
Mr. Ray will be based primarily out of FLIR’s Washington, D.C. area office in Arlington, Virginia.
The 2017 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program
American Security Today’s 2017 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Awards Presentation Luncheon at ISC East was an overwhelming success, with distinguished guests from National, State and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Executives from companies allied to Government.
Over 100 professionals gathered from across North America and the Middle East to be honored from disciplines across the Security Industry in their respective fields which included:
- The Department of Homeland Security
- The Department of Justice
- The Security Exchange Commission
- State and Municipal Law Enforcement Agencies, and
- Leaders in Private Security
These current circumstances have put forward another rapid expansion of new ideas, products and solutions to combat these ever changing challenges.
These changes have called for a new generation of security experts in the Homeland Security and Public Safety fields who need real time knowledge of our ever growing threats.
Recognized for their Innovative Training and Education Programs, Outstanding Product Development Achievements and Exciting New Technologies to address the growing Homeland Security Threats our Nation is facing.
American Security Today was formed after careful reflection of 9/11 and its aftermath when the Department of Homeland Security was established and there was an immediate explosion of new products and solutions for what was perceived as an imminent second attack on primary targets in the United States.
As time moved forward from 9/11 itself and in recent years, the threats to our nation have evolved from a large scale 9/11 type attack to:
- Domestic and International Terrorist Attacks carried out by ‘lone wolves’ and coordinated individuals
- Cybersecurity breach attacks against our government agencies, financial institutions and critical infrastructure facilities
- Unprecedented urban violence
- Cultural shifts and societal media bias, which make it increasingly difficult to secure our nation in this constantly evolving threat environment.
These experts include the Government at the Federal, State and Local levels as well as from Private Firms specializing in Physical Security, Port Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security responsible for implementing coordinated security measures to ensure our Nation’s Security and improve Public Safety.
Together, each of these entities work together seamlessly on the front lines of protecting our communities, to ‘Keep our Nation Secure, One City at a Time.’
AST focuses on Homeland Security and Public Safety Breaking News, the Newest Initiatives and Hottest Technologies in Physical & IT Security, essential to meeting today’s growing security challenges.
To highlight the tremendous accomplishments of agencies and firms receiving this prestigious award, check out American Security Today’s 2017 December ‘ASTORS’ Champions Edition – ‘Year in Review.’
FLIR Systems is a world-leading maker of sensor systems that enhance perception and heighten awareness, helping to save lives, improve productivity, and protect the environment.
