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Last updated on Friday, January 12, 2018
(ODON) - Ray Darnell, founder and former president of Raydar Inc., announces his retirement after 20 years of supporting the U.S. Department of Defense through his business.
Raydar, headquartered in WestGate@Crane Technology Park, provides engineering, logistics, information technology and manufacturing products for Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division and other DOD organizations around the world. Raydar is one of the park's original tenants.
"I came up with the idea for Raydar while serving as director of communications for former President Bill Clinton and the first lady," said Darnell, a 25-year Air Force veteran.
"The division I worked in provided satellite long-range communications for both the first lady and president of the United States. Since launching the company, we've been able to bring in more than $250 million to the WestGate, Crane and Purdue@WestGate regional communities. We have been named 'small business of the year' three times and have contributed every year to the WestGate@Crane Scholarship Fund. I'm proud to have started a company that has provided for those serving our country."
Darnell served the Clinton administration from 1993-95 and retired as the highest decorated, enlisted communicator in the Air Force. He founded Raydar in 1997.
"Mr. Darnell is an outstanding example of what veterans bring to business," said Jason Salstrom, director of Purdue@WestGate. "He understands leadership and serving his employees as well as the customer. His leadership will be missed at WestGate."
Raydar has transitioned smoothly with Sue Davis as the new owner and chief executive officer and Schad McGregor serving as new chief operating officer.
"While it is difficult to step away from Raydar, the future is exciting as Sue and Schad bring a fresh look along with new energy to the company," Darnell said. "Their decades of experience working with Crane will ensure only the finest support for our armed forces. I brim with confidence that every tradition of excellence that Raydar has been known for since its founding in 1997 will be further enhanced by their leadership and dedication to the defense of our great nation."
Darnell enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at 18 years old. After 20 years of serving as an air/ground communicator, he was assigned to a mobile combat communications unit in Europe. After serving in Operation Desert Storm, Darnell received the Bronze Star.
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