ARA Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

ARA has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, engineering oversight, financial management, and technology development.

Driven by a commitment to scientific excellence, ARA delivers advanced research and engineering solutions to address complex national security challenges while fostering an employee-owned culture focused on long-term societal impact.

Leadership Roles at ARA

  • Chief Executive Officer - Alireza Khams
  • Chief Executive Officer Emeritus. Director - Robert Sues
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Tim Moran
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Curt Beckemeyer
  • Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP - Michael Royer
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - William Ratliff
  • President - Bruce Cohen
  • President - Kenneth Heathington
  • Corporate Director, Intellectual Property & Chief Technology Officer, IP-To-Product, Ssm - Jason Janet
  • Alireza Khams - Chief Executive Officer

    Alireza Khams, the Chief Executive Officer at ARA, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Khams manages the alignment of scientific research initiatives with critical national security requirements. By overseeing the integration of engineering capabilities across diverse sectors, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the company maintains a competitive edge in solving complex technical problems. Khams drives the expansion of research portfolios, focusing on high-impact projects that enhance safety and security. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the board to refine long-term growth objectives. Through rigorous oversight of operational standards, Alireza Khams guarantees that the firm remains at the forefront of innovation. The Chief Executive Officer also champions the employee-owned model, ensuring that the workforce remains motivated to deliver superior results. Ultimately, Khams secures the financial and operational health of the enterprise while navigating the evolving landscape of government and commercial research contracts.

    Robert Sues - Chief Executive Officer Emeritus. Director

    Robert Sues, the Chief Executive Officer Emeritus. Director at ARA, provides high-level guidance on corporate governance and long-term strategic planning. Sues leverages decades of experience to advise the current leadership team on maintaining the core values of the employee-owned structure. As a Director, Sues monitors the effectiveness of research programs and ensures that the company remains dedicated to solving critical national problems. The Chief Executive Officer Emeritus. Director facilitates communication between the board and executive management to ensure continuity in mission-driven objectives. Robert Sues also evaluates potential market opportunities that align with the firm's engineering expertise. By providing historical context and strategic foresight, Sues supports the development of sustainable business practices. This role involves assessing the impact of new technologies on the company's long-term security and safety goals. Ultimately, Sues strengthens the organizational foundation, ensuring that the firm continues to deliver high-value scientific solutions to complex challenges.
    Robert Sues

    Tim Moran - Deputy Chief Executive Officer

    Tim Moran, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at ARA, manages the day-to-day execution of corporate strategy and operational efficiency. Moran coordinates between various research divisions to ensure that engineering projects meet rigorous quality standards. By overseeing the implementation of internal processes, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer optimizes resource allocation across the organization. Tim Moran drives the alignment of departmental goals with the broader mission of solving critical national security issues. This leadership role involves managing cross-functional teams to accelerate the delivery of scientific solutions. Moran also monitors performance metrics to ensure that the company achieves its growth targets while maintaining technical excellence. Through active engagement with division heads, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of innovation and accountability. Ultimately, Moran supports the executive team in navigating complex market demands, ensuring that the firm remains a leader in providing advanced research and engineering services to government and commercial clients.

    Curt Beckemeyer - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Curt Beckemeyer, the President & Chief Executive Officer at ARA, leads the company's efforts in expanding its footprint within the scientific research and engineering sectors. Beckemeyer oversees the development of advanced technologies that address national security and safety concerns. By directing the strategic growth of the firm, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization remains responsive to the needs of government and commercial partners. Curt Beckemeyer manages the integration of new research capabilities, focusing on delivering high-value solutions that improve the way of life. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships that enhance the company's market position and technical reach. Through the oversight of major projects, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives operational excellence and innovation. Beckemeyer also ensures that the employee-owned structure continues to support the firm's long-term mission. Ultimately, Beckemeyer secures the company's reputation as a premier provider of complex engineering and scientific research services.
    Curt Beckemeyer

    Michael Royer - Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP

    Michael Royer, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP at ARA, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the organization. Royer manages the budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes that support the company's research and engineering activities. By overseeing capital allocation, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP ensures that the firm has the necessary resources to pursue high-impact scientific projects. Michael Royer drives the development of financial models that align with the company's long-term growth objectives and employee-owned structure. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to assess the financial viability of new market opportunities and research initiatives. Royer also monitors compliance with government contracting regulations to ensure fiscal integrity. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP supports the firm's ability to solve critical national problems. Ultimately, Royer secures the financial stability required to maintain the company's position as a leader in scientific research.
    Michael Royer

    William Ratliff - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    William Ratliff, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at ARA, manages the internal operations and infrastructure that support the company's scientific research mission. Ratliff oversees the execution of engineering projects, ensuring that all technical deliverables meet client specifications and safety standards. By optimizing operational workflows, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer improves efficiency across all research divisions. William Ratliff drives the implementation of scalable systems that support the firm's growth in national security markets. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to ensure that resources are effectively utilized to solve critical problems. Ratliff also monitors the performance of operational teams to maintain high standards of quality and reliability. Through the management of internal processes, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the company remains agile and responsive to changing technical requirements. Ultimately, Ratliff supports the firm's commitment to delivering high-impact engineering solutions.
    William Ratliff

    Bruce Cohen - President

    Bruce Cohen, the President at ARA, manages the strategic direction and operational success of specific research divisions. Cohen oversees the execution of complex engineering projects, ensuring that the firm delivers high-quality results to government and commercial clients. By focusing on the development of specialized research capabilities, the President drives the expansion of the company's technical expertise. Bruce Cohen manages cross-functional teams to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. This leadership role involves fostering innovation and maintaining high standards of scientific rigor across all assigned departments. Cohen also collaborates with other executives to align divisional goals with the company's overall mission of solving critical national problems. Through the oversight of operational performance, the President ensures that the firm remains a trusted partner in the engineering sector. Ultimately, Cohen supports the company's growth by delivering reliable, high-impact solutions that enhance national security and safety.

    Kenneth Heathington - President

    Kenneth Heathington, the President at ARA, leads the strategic initiatives and operational management of key research and engineering units. Heathington oversees the delivery of advanced technical solutions, ensuring that the firm meets the evolving needs of its clients. By directing the focus of research teams, the President ensures that the company remains at the forefront of scientific innovation. Kenneth Heathington manages the integration of new engineering methodologies to improve project outcomes and operational efficiency. This leadership role involves coordinating with other executives to ensure that divisional activities support the firm's long-term mission. Heathington also monitors market trends to identify new opportunities for growth in the national security and safety sectors. Through the oversight of project execution, the President maintains the company's reputation for technical excellence. Ultimately, Heathington drives the success of the firm by delivering high-value research and engineering services that address complex, real-world challenges.

    Jason Janet - Corporate Director, Intellectual Property & Chief Technology Officer, IP-To-Product, Ssm

    Jason Janet, the Corporate Director, Intellectual Property & Chief Technology Officer, IP-To-Product, Ssm at ARA, leads the transition of scientific research into tangible products. Janet oversees the intellectual property portfolio, ensuring that the company's innovations are protected and effectively commercialized. By directing the IP-to-product strategy, the Corporate Director, Intellectual Property & Chief Technology Officer, IP-To-Product, Ssm ensures that advanced engineering solutions reach the market. Jason Janet drives the development of new technologies that address critical security and safety challenges. This leadership role involves collaborating with research teams to identify and scale high-potential innovations. Janet also manages the strategic alignment of technology development with the firm's broader business goals. Through the oversight of intellectual property assets, the Corporate Director, Intellectual Property & Chief Technology Officer, IP-To-Product, Ssm enhances the company's competitive advantage. Ultimately, Janet ensures that the firm's scientific breakthroughs are transformed into practical, high-value solutions for national security and commercial applications.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding ARA Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads ARA?
    ARA is led by Alireza Khams (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Robert Sues (Chief Executive Officer Emeritus. Director) and Tim Moran (Deputy Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of ARA’s executive team?
    The executive team of ARA includes leaders such as Alireza Khams (Chief Executive Officer), Robert Sues (Chief Executive Officer Emeritus. Director), Tim Moran (Deputy Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does ARA have?
    ARA has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in ARA’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of ARA includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer Emeritus. Director, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP.