Ray Jefferson Background

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Background:
Ray Jefferson served as the Assistant Secretary for the Veterans' Employment and
Training Service (VETS) at the U.S. Department of Labor from August 2009 to August
2011. VETS is the United States' lead agency and national advocate for the employment
of military Veterans. He was appointed by President Barack Obama and confirmed
unanimously by the U.S. Senate.
Prior to this role, he served as a Leadership Consultant with McKinsey & Company in
Singapore where he created and delivered leadership training and development
programs for clients and offices throughout Asia. His focus areas were organizational
change, inspirational leadership, top team development and peak performance.
Ray graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point with a major in leadership.
He served as an Army Officer with the infantry, Rangers and Special Forces, with
leadership positions in the U.S. Presidential Honor Guard, 3rd Ranger Battalion and 1st
Special Forces Group. While attempting to protect his teammates from a hand grenade
detonating prematurely during classified Special Forces training, he lost all five fingers
on his left hand.
After recuperating in Hawaii, Ray attended Harvard's Kennedy School of Government,
earning an MPA in Strategic Management with Distinction as a Littauer Fellow. He then
earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and was recognized with the Dean's
Award for exceptional leadership and service. Upon graduation, he was selected as a
White House Fellow and worked as a Special Assistant to the U.S. Secretary of
Commerce. Ray then served as a Fulbright Fellow in Singapore, where he studied
leadership within Asian contexts. Afterwards, he served as the Deputy Director for the
State of Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
(DBEDT). DBEDT’s mission involves creating jobs, facilitating business development,
diversifying the economy and creating renewable energy initiatives.
Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training (VETS)
U.S. Department of Labor
2009 – 2011 (2 years)Washington, DC
CEO of VETS, whose mission is to assist and prepare Veterans and Service Members to
obtain meaningful careers, maximize their employment opportunities, and protect their
employment rights. Responsible for a departmental budget of over $250 million and 250
team members, with shared responsibility for 2,000 state representatives, serving over
12 million veterans in the workforce. Responsibilities included transforming the agency

and current programs, launching needed new initiatives, and aligning strategy,
operations, resources and management systems to deliver results. VETS operates
America's largest transition assistance program, which serves about 120,000 veterans
annually, and helps about 480,000 Veterans gain employment annually through its
programs and partnerships
*Completely transformed and revamped the obsolete, 19-year old Transition Assistance
Program’s Employment Workshop, which serves about 120,000 Veterans annually,
benchmarking it to national & global best practices.
*Launched the “Hiring Our Heroes” program in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, which involved conducting
Mega-Hiring Fairs around the nation, and resulted in over 14,000 Veterans and military
spouses obtaining employment within the program’s first 18 months.
*Implemented a comprehensive talent development program involving onboarding, exit
interviews, 360-degree feedback, organizational culture assessments, training in service
excellence and networking/”net-worthing” as well as many other measures to promote
communication, enhance team member engagement and help achieve individual and
organizational potential.
*Established transparent performance standards and feedback to ensure that the
Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) agency
produced results with its $256 million budget.
Leadership Consultant
McKinsey & Company
2006 – 2008 (2 years) Singapore
Leadership Consultant with international management consulting firm of over 5,000
consultants that advises leading companies on strategy, organization, technology, and
operations. Served as member of the Firm’s Organization Practice, which focuses on
organizational behavior, design, health, performance transformation, and merger
management.
• Consulted to the senior management for several multinational organizations in various
industry sectors within Asia-Pacific on the topic of leadership and people development,
capability building, cultural change, performance management and top team

effectiveness.
• Created and delivered leadership training and development programs emphasizing
strengths-based and inspirational leadership for the largest client transformation
engagements within Southeast Asia at the senior and middle executive levels that
improved participants’ performance, capabilities and morale.
• Developed a distinctive reputation for work in the area of Inspirational Leadership.
Created comprehensive, experiential programs combining self-mastery, peak
performance and leading others that were highly lauded for enhancing capabilities,
performance, morale and personal development. Delivered to senior (director/partner)
and mid-level consultants in Southeast Asia – received unprecedented ratings from
participants. Popularity and impact led to execution within the Firm’s India, China and
Korea offices.
• Served as a pioneer member of team that launched the McKinsey Center for Asian
Leadership, which offered strategic leadership expertise to multinationals within the
Asia-Pacific region. Instrumental in startup activities such as program development,
recruiting, relationship building and content development.
Deputy Director
State of Hawaii, Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism
2003 – 2004 (1 year) Honolulu, HI
Appointed by Governor Linda Lingle to serve as the Deputy Director of a diverse Cabinet
agency whose mission was to support business, create jobs, and improve Hawaii’s
standard of living by diversifying the economy, expanding existing businesses, and
attracting new economic activity. Together with the Director, co-led a department of
230 team members, with a total operating budget of $182 million, focused on
promoting Hawaii business, both in the U.S. and abroad. DBEDT’s portfolio included the
following responsibilities for the State: international relations, international business,
foreign trade, small business development, the Hawaii Film Office, developing arts and
culture as an economic sector, research and economic analysis, energy, science and
technology, venture capital initiatives, ocean sciences and homeland security as an
economic sector. Core member of the State’s economic team. Advised the Director on
leadership and managerial practices, the ASEAN relationship, homeland security, and
relationships with the U.S. Commerce and State Departments.

• Led the first-ever ASEAN Ambassadors Tour of Hawaii, in cooperation with the U.S.
ASEAN Business Council, to develop new, broad-based relationships between Hawaii
and the ten member nations of ASEAN.
• Led DBEDT’s organizational turnaround and leadership transformation resulting in
unprecedented morale, capacity, efficiency and productivity.
• Led the conception, planning and execution of the Inaugural Asia-Pacific Homeland
Security Summit’s international agenda. The Summit garnered 650 attendees and
international media exposure for Hawaii. It brought together VIP representatives from
19 nations to include cabinet secretaries, senior military leaders, governors, national
security advisors, ambassadors, business leaders and heads of NGOs from throughout
Asia. Considered the world’s largest HLS event in 2003, it was the highest level
international event that the State of Hawaii has convened thus far.
Fulbright Fellow
U.S. Department of State
2000 – 2001 (1 year) Singapore
Selected for the Fulbright Fellowship Program on the basis of demonstrated leadership
to represent the U.S. overseas in our nation’s premier public diplomacy exchange
program. Program involved studying and interacting with Singapore’s political,
economic and cultural institutions, exchanging professional and intellectual ideas, and
embarking on mutually beneficial, joint work ventures.
• Devised a ten-month program that analyzed how public sector leadership is exercised
in Singapore's Asian, multi-cultural environment. Interviewed senior public sector
officials such as the Prime Minister, Ambassadors and Permanent Secretaries.
• Surveyed the state of social entrepreneurship and contributed to it through
volunteerism. Developed a program for Teach Me Services to improve the physical
health of wheelchair-bound teenagers with muscular dystrophy. Initiated a visitation
program at Mt. Elizabeth Hospital, and gave public service presentations to the Rotary
Club of Suntec City and the National Library Board.
• Created and led a mission to Harvard’s Business School and Kennedy School of
Government for one of Singapore’s largest nonprofit organizations to improve its

capacity and resources. Results included hiring interns and full-time graduates,
establishing fully funded fellowships and being the subject of a Harvard case study.
White House Fellow
White House Fellowship Program
2000 – 2001 (1 year) Washington D.C. Metro Area
America’s most prestigious fellowship for leadership development and public service.
Promotes active citizenship by allowing Fellows first-hand experience in the process of
governing and providing leadership for the nation. Each year, 11-19 Fellows are selected
from 500-800 applicants on the basis of extraordinary achievement, the ability to serve
at government’s highest levels and a proven commitment to public service. The
Fellowship is comprised of a high level work assignment in the federal government’s
executive branch, an education program and official travel.
• Work Assignment – Served as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of Commerce and
the Under Secretary of State for Management. Shadowed the Commerce Secretary,
attended Cabinet-level White House meetings and discussions with foreign dignitaries.
Planned the Commerce Department’s first multi-agency task force to Hawaii to promote
entrepreneurship, economic development, funding and digital inclusion while
optimizing the synergies of inter-agency cooperation. Developed a plan for the State
Department to improve the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Civil Rights’
performance, efficiency and structure. Chaired meetings, conducted briefings, and
helped with policy formulation at both agencies.
• Education Program – Participated in “off-the-record” discussions with over 150 leaders
from the worlds of politics, defense, media, business, the arts, science and technology
to include the U.S. President, Vice-President and Cabinet Secretaries. Engaged in official
travel to explore issues affecting domestic and foreign policy. Co-chaired the
Fellowship’s historic first visit to Hawaii and served as liaison to senior State leaders
from the areas of business and economic development, education, defense,
environmental preservation and indigenous culture.
1st Special Forces Group, Unit Commander
US Army
1988 – 1999 (11 years) Okinawa, Japan

One of 10 individuals selected from among 460 qualified officers to lead a unit of 12
specially selected, highly trained personnel in executing a classified mission directed by
the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Tasked to plan and conduct complex, hazardous, no-notice
operations of a timely, sensitive nature, throughout Asia, in support of U.S. policies and
objectives. Responsible for planning and executing national policies and international
programs unilaterally and with foreign governments and their representatives.
• Planned and budgeted a bilateral exercise with Singapore that involved extensive
coordination between the U.S., Singapore, Japan and the Pacific Islands.
• Co-developed the evaluation system adopted by the organization.
3rd Ranger Battalion, Unit Leader
US Army
1988 – 1999 (11 years) Fort Benning, GA
One of 36 individuals selected from 2,700 qualified personnel to serve as a leader in this
elite combat unit. Planned and conducted rapid mobilizations of 30-person unit to
global locations in support of U.S. policies and objectives.
• Unit received highest rating in department during annual evaluation.
• Conceptualized, planned, presented and established a comprehensive development
and training program for a new department in the organization that significantly
increased organization’s abilities and effectiveness.
Presidential Honor Guard, Unit Leader
US Army
1988 – 1999 (11 years) Washington D.C. Metro Area
One of 10 individuals selected from 2,700 qualified personnel for this high-profile
assignment. Led two elite 36-person units that represented the President and our
Nation to the world. Planned and implemented programs of international and national

significance. Developed contingency programs for crisis situations involving essential
government officials and agencies.
• Both units evaluated as being the best in the organization throughout my tenure with
them.
• Received more written commendations than any other unit leader in the organization.
• Organization’s first unit leader in ten years to be selected for and serve in a “Ranger
Battalion” – the profession’s most prestigious and competitive organization.
Volunteer Experience:
Volunteer
McKinsey & Company Community Service Initiatives
2006 – 2008 (2 years) Education
Participated in local McKinsey office community service initiatives, such as volunteering
to develop a transformation and teacher empowerment program at a local public
school.
Volunteer
Harvard University
1999 – Present (16 years) Education
Develop programs that will allow Harvard’s Business School and Kennedy School of
Government (KSG) to deliver greater value to Hawaii by providing summer interns,
conducting admissions outreach, sharing resources and disseminating scholarship
information. Conceived and organized the first visit to Hawaii by the Dean of KSG to
meet with leaders from Hawaii’s public and non-profit organizations to.

Volunteer
Easter Seals, Inc.
1997 – 2000 (3 years)Health
Created a national awareness campaign involving Easter Seals’ 450 sites that educates
amputees about the lifelike, aesthetic, upper-limb prostheses available to them.
Founding Member
State of Hawaii
2000 – 2000 (less than a year) Politics
Founding member of Hawaii’s first Disabled American Veterans Appreciation Day.
Mentor
KSG Alumni Mentoring Program
2000 – 2000 (less than a year) Education
KSG Alumni Mentoring Program – Provide mentoring and career advice to current
students.
Founding Member
University of Hawaii, Students for Responsible Business
Established a chapter of Students for Responsible Business at the University of Hawaii.
Organizer
Hawaii High Schools
Organized an outdoor leadership development and team-building program for at-risk
Hawaii high school students from low-income families. Conceived and coordinated a

leadership and career education briefing conducted by U.S. Navy SEALs for at-risk
Hawaii high school students from low-income families.
Outreach Facilitator
U.S. Military Academy
1999 Facilitated an outreach initiative with the U.S. Military Academy to increase
Hawaii’s student admissions.
Organizer
Harvard Business School
1998 – 1998 (less than a year) Disaster and Humanitarian Relief
Led mobilization of entire HBS community to provide disaster relief for victims of
Hurricane Mitch in Honduras.
Organizer and Presenter
Harvard University
1998 – 1998 (less than a year) Civil Rights and Social Action
Organized a presentation for Harvard University that chronicled and honored the
contributions of African American men and women to our nation’s victory in World War
II.
Honors and Awards:
Delegate to Asia Society’s first annual Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit
2006

Selected as one of the Delegates to represent the U.S. at an initiative seeking to build
the network of Asia-Pacific leaders dedicated to public service and responsible
leadership while addressing global challenges and the region’s most pressing issues.
French-American Foundation Young Leader
2006
Selected as one of the 14 U.S. Young Leaders to participate in the 2006 program in
France. The program brings together proven leaders from the two countries chosen for
achievements and success in their professions and communities. It aims to strengthen
international relations, foster deeper understanding and develop a new network of
leaders between the two countries. Past U.S. alumni have included former President Bill
Clinton.
British American Project Delegate
2004
Selected as one of the 24 U.S. Delegates to the 2004 British American Project. The
Project aims to strengthen international relations and business links between Europe
and North America by bringing together proven leaders from the two countries chosen
for achievements and success in their professions and communities.
Rising Star Award
Harvard University
2003
Conferred by Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. This annual alumni
award instituted in 2001 recognizes the outstanding achievements of recent Kennedy
School graduates who have “hit the ground running” as public sector leaders.
Harrison H. Schmitt Fulbright Alumni Leadership Award
Secretary of State Colin Powell
2003
Selected for national recognition as one of two recipients to receive the inaugural
Harrison H. Schmitt Leadership Award from Secretary of State Colin Powell. The award
honors recent alumni of the U.S. Fulbright Student Program who have demonstrated
extraordinary leadership in, and dedication to, public service, learning, and mutual
understanding.

Fulbright Fellowship Profile
2002
Among the few selected from over 4,000 Fulbrighters on the basis of exemplary
performance to be profiled by the U.S. Department of State’s Institute of International
Education during its upcoming recruiting program.
HBS Public Service Summer Fellowship Awards
2000
Recipient of two fellowships that involved taking a 50% reduction in summer salary to
do a public service internship.
HBS Public Service Summer Fellowship Awards
1999
Recipient of two fellowships that involved taking a 50% reduction in summer salary to
do a public service internship.
1999 The Catalyst Award
1999
Recipient of Students for Responsible Business’ prestigious annual, national leadership
award for the most inspirational new chapter start-up story of the year.
1998 The Bert King Fellow Award
Harvard University
1998
Selected from all African-American students in the HBS Class of 2000 for annual award
given on basis of demonstrated exemplary leadership, scholarship and service.
1998 Athletic Excellence
1998
Represented physically challenged people by competing in a Chinese full-contact
fighting competition, won 1st Place and a Light-Heavyweight Championship Belt.

Additional Honors & Awards
Delegate to Asia Society’s first annual Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit, 2006
French-American Foundation Young Leader, 2006
British American Project Delegate, 2004
Rising Star Award, 2003
Harrison H. Schmitt Fulbright Alumni Leadership Award, 2003
Fulbright Fellowship Profile, 2002
HBS Public Service Summer Fellowship Awards, 1999 & 2000
The Catalyst Award, 1999
The Bert King Fellow Award, 1998
Athletic Excellence, 1998
Education:
Education
Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
1998 – 2000
Activities and Societies: First student in HBS history selected for both a White House and
Fulbright Fellowship upon graduation. One of three students out of 886 graduates
recognized with the Dean’s Award for exceptional acts of leadership and service. Only
student in graduating class to be profiled in both Business Week and HBS Bulletin
magazines for outstanding performance and leadership.
Harvard University Kennedy School of Government
Master of Public Administration (MPA), Concentration in Strategic
Management of Governmental Organizations
1996 – 1998
Activities and Societies: One of ten students chosen from a graduating class of 280 for
the Littauer Fellow Award on the basis of leadership, service and scholarship.

United States Military Academy at West Point
Bachelor of Science in General Engineering
1984 – 1988
Activities and Societies: Selected to serve as the Regimental Command Sergeant Major
for 1, 100 cadets. Commissioned as an infantry officer upon graduation.

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