About Ray “Buzz” Toth
The executive
who builds.
I lead aerospace and defense businesses and build software to help me do the job. The systems here help me recover context, track commitments, and prepare for decisions.
Today I lead five operating units inside a private-equity-backed aerospace and defense company, with responsibility for business performance and the people who deliver it. The work brings acquisition integration, technical delivery, financial accountability, and team development into the same operating week.
The executive systems in this portfolio grew out of those responsibilities. I direct their architecture and development and use them in my work. They help me trace a claim back to its source, recover earlier decisions, and compare my judgment with what actually happened.
Building is also something I enjoy for its own sake. Wine Cellar and Sitrep grew from personal interests in wine and reading.
A career in technical organizations.
Since retiring from the Air Force in 2015, my work has centered on industry and business leadership. My earlier service included combat aviation, flight test, and command of the Arnold Engineering Development Complex. It remains part of the experience I bring to the work.
Earlier career and service
Before this chapter, I spent 26 years in the United States Air Force. I flew combat in the F-15E as a weapon systems officer, was one of five WSOs selected Air Force-wide for pilot training, crossed to the front seat to fly the F-16CJ in the suppression-of-enemy-air-defenses role, and had combat time in both jets. I graduated from Test Pilot School, flew high-angle-of-attack F-16 flight test at Edwards, commanded the F-22 Combined Test Force, and later commanded the 46th Test Group, with 596 people, $2 billion in facilities, and a $95 million budget. I then commanded the Arnold Engineering Development Complex, with 2,400 people, a $400 million annual budget, and $10 billion in national test infrastructure. I was an Industrial College of the Armed Forces distinguished graduate and worked in the Pentagon as a legislative liaison and with the Chief of Staff's Strategic Studies Group, Checkmate. Since retiring in 2015, that experience has informed how I think about consequence, verification, and leadership while the current work has moved to business leadership and capability building.
I want leaders to run their own areas and systems to keep working without my constant involvement.
Feedback welcome.
I’d welcome your feedback on the work or the site.
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