Retired U.S. Air Force General Tim Ray to succeed General Joe Votel, USA (Ret.) as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nonprofit Organization Business Executives for National Security (BENS)

Retired U.S. Air Force General Tim Ray has been elected President and Chief Executive Officer of the nonprofit organization Business Executives for National Security (BENS), to succeed General Joe Votel, USA (Ret.) who has successfully led the organization for more than three years. Ray, who will formally assume the position on September 1, 2023, joins BENS following a 36-year military career where he most recently commanded U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command concurrently with command of U.S. Air Forces Strategic-Air, U.S. Strategic Command.

“The relevance of BENS has never been more apparent than it is right now,” noted General Joe Votel, USA (Ret.). “As one of our most accomplished military leaders General Tim Ray brings the unique skills and relationships that BENS will require in the future. I know that he will help lead the organization and its committed members to new heights.”

BENS Board Chairman, Mark Gerencser, added that “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.”

“I am looking forward to being a part of the BENS team,” remarked Ray whose appointment was unanimously approved by the BENS Board of Directors. “BENS is comprised of some of the nation’s most talented and thoughtful private sector leaders. Their expertise and insights are vital to the strength, security, and prosperity of the Nation.”

Prior to his time serving as the Commander of the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, General Ray served as the Deputy Commander, U.S. European Command, where he was responsible for joint, combined operations, planning and exercises to ensure military readiness and regional stability as Russia aimed to destabilize Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. He has commanded eight U.S. Air Force Wings throughout Europe and Africa supporting joint and coalition operations and five separate commands. Previously he has served as the Deputy Director of Fighter, Bomber, and Weapon Programs to the U.S. Air Force Assistant Secretary of Acquisition, responsible for fighter and bomber aircraft and weapons acquisition programs. He was a member of the Air Force’s “Corporate Board” team of senior leaders, shaping future force structure, modernization, and budget priorities for the United States Air Force.

About BENS

Business Executives for National Security is a nationwide network of elite business leaders who are united in the belief that private-sector expertise and best practices can help the Department of Defense and other national security agencies execute their missions to keep America secure.

Founded in 1982, BENS has a long history of bringing the best talent in business together with senior national security leaders to apply best practices and cutting-edge ideas to solve some of the Nation’s most complex and pressing national security challenges. Operating as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, BENS does its work at no cost to the government.