Applied Research Associates has announced leadership changes, with Curt Beckemeyer set to become president and CEO and William Ratliff appointed executive vice president and chief operating officer, effective October 1.
Who Is Curt Beckemeyer?
According to a press release published Tuesday, Beckemeyer will succeed Rob Sues, who has led ARA since 2004. The company board’s decision follows a five-year succession planning process.
“I’m confident Curt will help ARA effectively pursue its long-term goals and continue to solve problems of national importance,” Sues said. “I look forward to seeing ARA prosper under his leadership.”
Beckemeyer, currently senior vice president and deputy CEO of technical operations, joined ARA in 1999 and brings more than three decades of engineering and leadership experience. In his present role, he oversees technical services, products and solutions across national security, infrastructure, energy, environment and health sciences business areas.
Beckemeyer holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the University of Illinois and is a registered professional engineer in several states. He also serves on the National Defense Industrial Association’s board of directors and participates in technical committees of the Transportation Research Board and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Upon Beckemeyer’s recommendation, the board named Ratliff as COO.
Who Is William Ratliff?
Ratliff has been with ARA since 2008, supporting test and evaluation, program management and operations research for defense programs, including work with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. He previously served 20 years in the U.S. Army in infantry, aviation and analytical roles. Ratliff earned his bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Military Academy and a master’s degree in industrial engineering from Texas A&M University.
Beckemeyer described Ratliff as a visionary leader. “Throughout his career at ARA, he has demonstrated success through a clearly articulated vision, the disciplined execution of key strategies, strong determination, and hard work,” Beckemeyer said.
According to ARA, the appointment of Beckemeyer and Ratliff will advance its vision to be the company that government and industry turn to for innovative solutions to critical human problems.
About ARA
Founded in 1979, Albuquerque-based ARA is an employee-owned research and engineering company with more than 2,300 staff across the U.S. and Canada. The firm provides solutions in national defense, homeland security, aerospace, healthcare, energy, transportation and other fields.
