Christopher Ray

Chris Ray was appointed director for global safety and security in July 2023. In this capacity, he serves as the subject matter expert, responsible for all security related activities, risk assessment and management, crisis response, and security protocol development for the University’s global activities. Supporting Notre Dame Global operationally, he works with University leadership, Campus Safety, University Operations, senior stakeholders at the Univeristy's 12 global locations, and external security agencies and providers to ensure and improve safety and security of the University’s students, faculty, and staff studying, working, and/or living abroad.

As an international security operations professional, Ray has over 25 years of experience in corporate security, counterterrorism, law enforcement, and intelligence. Before joining the University, Ray managed international security operations for a fortune 100 aerospace, information, and technology corporation while living and working overseas. In this role he provided leadership for the safety and security of all company employees, facilities, and assets in the Middle East and Africa.

Ray is a retired U.S. Marine Corps intelligence officer with extensive special operations experience, including extended time managing intelligence operations and activities for elements of United States Joint Special Operations Command both in uniform and as a civilian.

A former Division I athlete, Ray holds an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Delaware.