DAU Visiting Professor at the Costello College of Business and
Learning Director for the Contracting Center at the Defense Acquisition University
Biography
Dr. Ray Ward is Learning Director for the Contracting Center at the Defense Acquisition University (DAU). He works with Department of Defense contracting policy makers to develop and implement training courses and assets for the 23,000 members of DOD’s Contracting workforce. Ray began work for DAU after a 20-year career with the Air Force and the Defense Logistics Agency in various government contracting positions. He has worked closely with suppliers of equipment and services during all stages of the procurement process. Ray also teaches as a part-time adjunct Professor for UMGC’s graduate-level degree program in Acquisition and Contract Management and for Villanova University’s Government Contract Management certification program. He has contributed articles to numerous publications on topics related to contracting, supply chain management, and financial management, and has given presentations at professional forums across the United States.
Professor Ward received his Ph.D. in Business Management from Capella University; M.S. in Management from Central Michigan; and B.A. in Economics from SUNY-Stony Brook. His professional certifications have included the Certified Professional in Supply Management and Certified Purchasing Manager (both from the Institute for Supply Management), NCMA’s Certified Professional Contracts Manager, and Certified Management Accountant. He served on the NCMA’s Contract Management Board of Examiners and the Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) Professional Credentials Committee, and helped establish ISM's Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity credential.