Ray Besson, MBA

Experience

• 

  United States Air Force

  Apr 2007 - Apr 2009

  Led standardization and evaluation of combat readiness, proficiency, and capabilities of 150+ aircrew for worldwide employment. Directed Wing's Unit Compliance Inspection preparation for 330 Airmen culminating in 16 Superior Performance Team/Individual awards from the Inspector General.Led standardization and evaluation of the USAF's most diverse Expeditionary Operations Group while deployed in support of combat operations (17 squadrons/1500 aircrew members/16 major weapon systems/100+ aircraft). Garnered Staff Assistance Visit recognition as "Best in Area of Responsibility". Show less

  • Chief Weapon Systems Officer/Standardization and Evaluations

    Apr 2008 - Apr 2009

  • Executive Officer

    Apr 2007 - Apr 2008
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  U.S. Department of State

  Jun 2010 - Jul 2014

  Political-Military Affairs Strategist / Advisor

  Political-Military Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of State (Bureau of Political-Military Affairs) and Executive Secretariat (Office of the Secretary). Provided political-military expertise to build effective relationships with the Department of Defense and other global partners. Consistently expanded Department of State/Department of Defense engagement. Provided support to every Professional Military Education school, Service, and Combatant Command. Championed civil-military integration across the interagency community. Synchronized US policy and military operations to sustain coalitions, pursue international stability and security cooperation, and contribute to multi-national operations. Show less

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  United States Air Force

  Jul 2014 - May 2017

  Chief of Strategic Planning

  Led strategic planning and analysis to synchronize science, technology, and requirements for the largest USAF combat forces portfolio of $19B. Develop 30-year force structure plans to meet national strategy and future years defense budgeting. Advocated Combat Air Force priorities for modernization and sustainment of a multi-billion dollar portfolio consisting 1,650 combat aircraft, all air-to-ground weapons, and other programs. Integrate Total Force plans for Active Duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserves. Show less

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  US Special Operations Command

  Apr 2016 - Oct 2016

  Director of Air Operations

  Directed Air Operations spanning 4 countries in support of US Special Forces and International Partners. Coordinated with International partner forces and government leadership to streamline air logistics, and expand operational capabilities.

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  Amazon

  May 2017 - Jul 2024

  Lead Innovation & Delivery Estimate Accuracy (DEA) Program Management initiatives which drive process improvement by identifying defects, calculating risk, creating and measuring standard processes and metrics, guiding technology development solutions, and shaping associate engagement/training to provide actionable data-driven resources and insight to Fulfillment Center operators with the goal of improving the Amazon Customer Experience. Manage all major transportation technology deployments as new technology/processes are launched, putting "boots on the ground", testing and validating the technology. Lead team employment of a mentoring/train-the-trainer approach with Program Managers and launch teams, targeting key individuals who can direct and leverage resources in applying Integration methodologies.

  • Sr. Manager

    Jan 2022 - Jul 2024

  • Principal Program Manager, Innovation & Delivery Estimate Accuracy Program Management Office

    Apr 2021 - Apr 2022

  • Sr. Program Manager, Technology Integration

    May 2017 - Apr 2021
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  Amazon.com

  Mar 2024 - now

  Principal Supply Chain Manager