LEADERSHIP

Ray Thomann serves as the President and CEO of R. Michael & Associates.  He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Thomas Edison State University and various certifications from Rutgers University and Northwestern University.   

Ray’s extensive training background includes numerous law enforcement, emergency management and leadership certifications from the U.S. Department of Justice – FBI,  U.S. Department of Homeland Security – FEMA, NJ Division of Criminal Justice, NJ State Police Office of Emergency Management, NJ Department of Law & Public Safety, NJ Police Training Commission (PTC), Office of the Prosecutor – Burlington County, and the Northeast Counterdrug Training Center.  He has also received training certifications from private enterprise companies that service the Law Enforcement and Security communities, which includes: Simunition FX – Training for the Real World, Monadnock, PPCT Management Systems Inc., Safariland, and No Lie Blades.

Ray’s leadership and vision have facilitated the seamless translation of his skill-sets and experiences in assignments and initiatives on behalf of government, academia, retail sector,  private enterprise, and private protection services.  His wealth of knowledge and vast training has earned him recognition as an expert and leader in his respective fields of service.  This led him to serving on the State of New Jersey’s PTC Defensive Tactics Standards Board, which established training protocols for all state Law Enforcement Training Academies.

As an Executive Protection Professional and Trainer, Ray has led details and personalized safety training programs for high-profile individuals, celebrities, dignitaries, and executive clients.  He has also trained countless Executive Protection Agents, Law Enforcement Officers, Military Personnel, and Security Teams in various security, emergency management and defensive tactics disciplines.

Ray has been recognized by the State of New Jersey, members of government, and various organizations for his contributions and work in the fields of Law Enforcement, Security and the Combative Arts.   His awards and commendations include: 

• • State of New Jersey Senate Commendation from Senator Diane Allen 
  • Unit Excellence Award – Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office 
  • ProCop Award – Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office 
  • Outstanding Service to Law Enforcement Commendation – Burlington County Police Academy
  • Unit of the Year (FTO Training Unit) – PTPD
  • Life Saver Award – PTPD
  • WKU Karate Hall of Fame (Class of 2002)
  • WKU Master Instructor of the Year (Combat Budokwan)
  • Philadelphia Historic Martial Arts Society Hall of Fame (Class of 2017)
  • American Moo Duk Kwan Federation – Master Instructor
  • American Order of Combat  BuDoKwan – Master Instructor
  • Defensive Tactics Standard Board Member – State of NJ PTC

Ray believes in the importance of continuous training and education, as it enhances the delivery of best practices and develops leadership qualities. This is evident in the way he approaches his delivery of services, projects and training regimens.  

In addition to his related work experience, Ray is certified in First Aid, CPR and the use of AEDs.  He also holds Incident Command Certifications from the Department of Homeland Security – FEMA.