Speaker Bio
Colonel Rebecca A. Gray is the Deputy Commander, 111th Attack Wing at Biddle Air National Guard Based in Horsham, Pennsylvania. She is responsible for assisting the commander with supervising the wing and its subordinate units which include: 111th Operations Group, the 111th Medical Group, the 111th Mission Support Group and the 201st Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron (RED HORSE) Detachment 1. The wing supports multi-domain global operations, safeguarding the homeland and supporting Pennsylvania communities by building partnerships with local civil authorities. Col. Gray also serves on the State Joint Diversity Council for the Pennsylvania Air National Guard and represents Pennsylvania on the Joint Diversity Executive Council for Region 3. Prior to joining the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, Colonel Gray served as Director of Staff, Georgia Air National Guard, Joint Force Headquarters, Dobbins Air Reserve Air Force Base, Georgia. As Director of Staff, she was responsible for advising the Adjutant General and the Assistant Adjutant General on all Air National Guard issues and requirements and supervised the Georgia Air National Guard headquarters staff, providing oversight to two flying wings, six geographically separated units and the Combat Readiness Training Center.
Upon graduating as a three time All-American in springboard diving from United States Air Force Academy, Colonel Gray graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and received her active duty commission in 1994. Following technical school, she served in various active duty units in a number of assignments overseeing base-wide food service, lodging, fitness, child and youth development programs and mortuary affairs. Following active duty, she joined the Air Force Reserve and held flight and squadron command. She also served at the Air Force Special Operations Command Services Agency. Colonel Gray is a graduate of the Secretary of Defense Fortune 500 Corporate Fellowship Program where her research focused on changes and trends in the utility industry and its impact on the Department of Defense. Prior to her Fellowship, Colonel Gray was the Director of Strategic Plans, Georgia Air National Guard, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia.
Colonel Gray's civilian career is marked by a blend of leadership, social entrepreneurship, and corporate expertise. As co-CEO of a non-profit organization, she was a driving force in revitalizing urban neighborhoods. Her focus has been multifaceted, emphasizing the development of affordable housing, the implementation of programs for youth and seniors, and stimulating economic growth within these communities. Her dedication to social impact is further exemplified by her co-founding of a pioneering kindergarten through 8th-grade charter school. This institution, notable for its size with over 800 students, offers a unique dual-language curriculum in English and Mandarin Chinese, reflecting her commitment to educational innovation and cultural diversity. In addition to her non-profit endeavors, Colonel Gray has demonstrated her versatility and leadership in the corporate world. Colonel Gray's leadership role at Fortune 200 companies in the energy, media, and telecommunications sectors highlights her exceptional skill in steering and transforming major industries with strategic leadership.
Currently, Colonel Gray is at the forefront of the intersection between military expertise and private sector innovation. In her role leading the military division of a private equity company specializing in internet technology, she plays a critical role in bridging the gap between advanced technological solutions and military needs. This position underscores her adeptness in understanding and leveraging technological advancements and highlights her ability to apply her military knowledge in a private sector. She resides in Philadelphia, PA.