ARA Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

ARA has 7 executives leading key functions including strategic management, financial oversight, technical innovation, and operational leadership.

Committed to solving complex national security challenges, ARA delivers advanced scientific research and engineering solutions to enhance global safety and security through employee-owned expertise.

Leadership Roles at ARA

  • Chief Executive Officer - Soheil Biglarfar
  • Chief Executive Officer Emeritus. Director - Robert Sues
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Curt Beckemeyer
  • Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP - Michael Royer
  • President - Bruce Cohen
  • President - Kenneth Heathington
  • Corporate Director, Intellectual Property & Chief Technology Officer, IP-To-Product, Ssm - Jason Janet
  • Soheil Biglarfar - Chief Executive Officer

    Soheil Biglarfar, the Chief Executive Officer at ARA, directs the overarching strategic vision for this scientific research and engineering firm. Biglarfar manages the alignment of internal research capabilities with critical national security requirements. By overseeing high-level corporate initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization maintains a competitive edge in complex engineering sectors. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine long-term growth trajectories and operational efficiency. Soheil Biglarfar drives the expansion of technical service offerings across North American markets, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of solving national problems. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Chief Executive Officer secures the stability of the employee-owned model. Ultimately, Biglarfar fosters a culture of innovation that supports the delivery of high-impact solutions for government and commercial clients, maintaining the firm's reputation for excellence in scientific research.

    Robert Sues - Chief Executive Officer Emeritus. Director

    Robert Sues, the Chief Executive Officer Emeritus. Director at ARA, provides essential guidance and historical context to the current leadership team. Sues advises on long-term strategic planning and maintains deep institutional knowledge regarding the firm's scientific research and engineering legacy. By participating in Board-level discussions, the Chief Executive Officer Emeritus. Director ensures that current initiatives remain consistent with the core mission of solving critical national problems. This role involves mentoring senior management and supporting the transition of complex engineering projects into viable market solutions. Robert Sues leverages decades of experience to influence the company's approach to security and safety challenges. Through active engagement with the executive committee, the Chief Executive Officer Emeritus. Director helps shape the firm's future direction while preserving the unique employee-owned culture. Sues remains a vital contributor to the strategic framework that defines the organization's impact on national security and technological advancement.
    Robert Sues

    Curt Beckemeyer - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Curt Beckemeyer, the President & Chief Executive Officer at ARA, executes the daily operational strategy for the entire engineering and research enterprise. Beckemeyer oversees the integration of diverse technical departments to ensure seamless project delivery for government and private sector clients. By managing the company's resource allocation, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives efficiency across all research divisions. This leadership role requires constant interaction with other C-suite members to synchronize business development with technical capabilities. Curt Beckemeyer leads the implementation of advanced engineering methodologies that address critical national security needs. Through the optimization of internal processes, the President & Chief Executive Officer supports the firm's growth and market reach. Beckemeyer ensures that every project aligns with the company's commitment to safety and security. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains the operational excellence required to sustain the firm's position as a leader in scientific research and engineering.
    Curt Beckemeyer

    Michael Royer - Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP

    Michael Royer, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP at ARA, manages the fiscal health and financial planning for the organization. Royer oversees all budgetary processes, capital investments, and financial reporting to ensure the firm remains robust while pursuing complex scientific research. By directing the financial strategy, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP supports the company's ability to invest in cutting-edge engineering technologies. This role involves close coordination with the executive team to assess the economic viability of new research initiatives and market expansions. Michael Royer drives the fiscal discipline necessary to maintain the employee-owned structure and long-term sustainability. Through rigorous analysis of operational costs and revenue streams, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP ensures that resources are directed toward high-priority national security projects. Royer secures the financial foundation that allows the firm to solve critical problems, ultimately contributing to the overall stability and growth of the organization.
    Michael Royer

    Bruce Cohen - President

    Bruce Cohen, the President at ARA, leads the internal scaling and organizational development of the firm's research divisions. Cohen focuses on optimizing the performance of engineering teams to ensure the successful execution of complex, large-scale projects. By directing the operational workflows, the President ensures that technical staff have the necessary tools and environment to solve critical national problems. This leadership role involves fostering cross-departmental collaboration to improve project delivery timelines and quality standards. Bruce Cohen drives the implementation of best practices across the organization to enhance productivity and innovation. Through the management of internal resources, the President supports the firm's ability to meet the evolving demands of government and commercial clients. Cohen ensures that the company's operational capacity aligns with its strategic goals, ultimately contributing to the firm's reputation for delivering high-quality scientific research and engineering services that improve national security and safety.

    Kenneth Heathington - President

    Kenneth Heathington, the President at ARA, directs the supply chain logistics and infrastructure support necessary for the firm's diverse engineering operations. Heathington oversees the procurement and management of specialized materials and equipment required for high-stakes scientific research. By managing the logistical framework, the President ensures that project teams have consistent access to the resources needed to solve critical national problems. This leadership role involves coordinating with external vendors and internal departments to maintain operational continuity. Kenneth Heathington drives the efficiency of the supply chain to reduce project costs and improve delivery speed. Through the oversight of infrastructure and logistics, the President supports the firm's ability to handle complex, multi-regional engineering contracts. Heathington ensures that all operational support systems are robust and scalable, ultimately contributing to the company's success in delivering reliable, high-impact solutions that enhance safety and security for clients across the nation.

    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, architects the strategy for transforming scientific research into tangible, market-ready products. Janet oversees the protection and commercialization of the firm's intellectual property portfolio. By directing the transition from laboratory innovation to practical application, the Corporate Director, Intellectual Property & Chief Technology Officer, IP-To-Product, Ssm ensures that engineering breakthroughs reach the end-users who need them most. This role involves managing patent strategies and collaborating with technical teams to identify high-value technologies. Jason Janet drives the development of proprietary solutions that address critical security and safety challenges. Through the oversight of the IP-to-product pipeline, the Corporate Director, Intellectual Property & Chief Technology Officer, IP-To-Product, Ssm maximizes the impact of the company's research investments. Janet ensures that the firm's technological advancements remain protected and effectively deployed, reinforcing the organization's status as a premier provider of specialized engineering solutions.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding ARA Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads ARA?
    ARA is led by Soheil Biglarfar (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Robert Sues (Chief Executive Officer Emeritus. Director) and Curt Beckemeyer (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of ARA’s executive team?
    The executive team of ARA includes leaders such as Soheil Biglarfar (Chief Executive Officer), Robert Sues (Chief Executive Officer Emeritus. Director), Curt Beckemeyer (President & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does ARA have?
    ARA has 7 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, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, President.