Tim Ray, a retired U.S. Air Force general, officially began his work as president and CEO of the Business Executives for National Security on Sept. 1.
The 36-year USAF veteran succeeds Joe Votel, a retired Army general who led the nonprofit organization for the past three years and seven months.
“BENS is fortunate to have found a leader who will be ideally matched to leverage the private sector experience of our BENS members to help government partners address the new and emerging challenges to our national security and defense industrial base,” said Mark Gerencser, chairman of the nonprofit’s board and a four-time Wash100 Award winner.
Ray concurrently served as head of Air Force Global Strike Command and Air Forces Strategic-Air, U.S. Strategic Command from August 2018 until his retirement in August 2021.
The military branch commissioned Ray in 1985 and he held various staff assignments at the major and combatant command levels during his service.
His other prior assignments include deputy commander of U.S. European Command, commander of 3rd Air Force and deputy director of bomber, fighter and weapon programs at the Pentagon’s acquisition office.
