Ray Donnelly is a seasoned executive whose career spans over four decades of dynamic leadership across high-tech industries, government economic development, and international business. With a distinctive blend of private sector innovation and public service, Ray has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to connect people, ideas, and strategies to drive transformative results in both domestic and global markets.

Ray’s professional journey is rooted in a passion for problem-solving, innovation, and service. Most recently, he served as the Manager of Business Development for Betatronix, a Long Island-based sensor supplier affiliated with Electro Switch. In this role, he led business growth initiatives, built strategic defense partnerships, and secured key wins with NATO air forces and emerging space programs. His efforts were instrumental in raising the company’s visibility through industry trade shows like AUSA and Air, Sea & Space.

Throughout his expansive career, Ray has consistently excelled in complex, multi-market environments. At Retlif Testing Laboratories, he promoted the firm’s Canadian business expansion, establishing connections with aerospace and defense manufacturers in Quebec.  Prior to that, he was Director of Business Development at Telephonics Corporation, where he helped secure a $35 million order from the U.S. Air Force for base defense systems and led federal outreach initiatives at DHS, TSA, and OSD.

Ray’s international leadership roots trace back to his time as Senior Partner and Managing Director of The Daretel Group and Wayland Systems in the U.K., where he co-founded and operated a successful telecom distribution business targeting Western Europe. His entrepreneurial vision led to the acquisition and successful management of Wayland Systems in Gloucester, where he lived and worked from 1990 to 1996. He also held senior sales roles with global technology leaders including Ericsson, Rockwell International, and Telenova, leading multimillion-dollar sales operations in both North and South America.

In parallel with his business accomplishments, Ray has been deeply engaged in public service and regional economic development. As Senior Economic Developer with the New York Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery, he played a critical role in revitalizing small businesses post-Hurricane Sandy—especially within the marine and waterside industries. Earlier, as Director of Economic Development for the Town of Brookhaven and CEO of its Industrial Development Agency, he spearheaded major initiatives in infrastructure, workforce development, and power generation, including the $300 million Caithness Power Plant project.

Ray also served as Deputy Executive Director of the Long Island Forum for Technology, where he helped launch the Morrelly Homeland Security Center and created cross-border programs with Quebec’s aerospace and defense sectors. His work helped elevate Long Island’s reputation as a hub for defense and innovation. In the aftermath of 9/11, Ray co-founded the Long Island Defense Industry Council while serving as Director of Sales & Marketing for the Long Island Association, fostering stronger ties between the defense sector and regional leadership.

Known for his spirited enthusiasm, creativity, and tenacity, Ray has earned national recognition for his community leadership. He has served in the Civil Air Patrol (U.S. Air Force Auxiliary) and is Vice President of Corporate Relations for the Long Island Air Force Association. He is the recipient of both the 2017 Medal of Merit and the 2019 Exceptional Service Award from the national Air Force Association, recognizing his outstanding service and advocacy.

Ray is a proud Brooklyn native and graduate of St. Joseph’s College (B.S.) and Suffolk Community College (A.A.), where he was a varsity lacrosse player. He pursued MBA studies at St. Joseph’s College and has completed executive education at NYU, the Institute of Directors in London, and radar systems training at Georgia Tech. Throughout his life, Ray has balanced board-level roles, task force leadership, and transition team support with his commitment to building stronger communities through innovation and connection.

Character
Ray Donnelly is a principled leader whose career reflects unwavering commitment, perseverance, and a genuine dedication to service. Whether building international businesses or supporting post-disaster economic recovery, he brings a strong moral compass and deep-rooted sense of responsibility to every role he undertakes.

Knowledge
With over four decades of experience spanning telecommunications, defense, aerospace, and public sector development, Ray possesses a rich and versatile knowledge base. His hands-on expertise in both domestic and global markets is supported by academic studies in business, executive education, and advanced technical training in radar systems.

Strategic
Ray approaches every opportunity with long-term vision, a keen understanding of market dynamics, and the ability to align organizational goals with real-world solutions. From leading multimillion-dollar sales efforts to launching economic initiatives for local governments, he consistently drives meaningful, measurable outcomes through thoughtful planning and execution.

Communication
An accomplished communicator and relationship builder, Ray has presented to top-level government officials, negotiated with international partners, and served as a trusted liaison between industries and policymakers. His ability to engage stakeholders across sectors and borders is central to his enduring impact as both a business leader and public advocate.