Rip Ayers is an accomplished professional in contracts, logistics, project management, and strategic planning.  He leads ARG’s business development research, strategies, and proposals; negotiates partnering opportunities and government contracts; and represents ARG to U. S. Government donors and business partners.  Previously Rip served as the Director of Sales and Contracts for Zodiac Parachute and Protection America (SAFRAN); and as the transition manager for major AECOM projects in Afghanistan.  He was also AECOM’s Director of Program Development, based in Ft. Worth, Texas.  From 1995-2000 Rip was Dyncorp’s European project manager, responsible for 2,000 housing units and other base facilities on McGuire AFB and Ft. Dix, New Jersey where he managed contract compliance, achieving efficiency and cost-savings.  Rip is a former Lieutenant Colonel and Senior Command Representative; he provided technical and contractual maintenance services for all US aircraft and associated logistical commodities in support of the U. S. Army/Europe.  Rip holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social and Military Sciences from Troy University in Alabama.