Greetings Neighbor,

I am honored to extend my warmest regards to you as I introduce myself as a candidate for Winnebago County Board Member for District 3. My name is Ray Thompson, and I am reaching out with a genuine desire to contribute to the betterment of Winnebago County.

As a resident of Winnebago County for over 30 years, I have had the privilege of calling this community home and seeing its growth and potential. My personal and professional journey strongly connects to the values and aspirations we hold dear. My wife and I raised our three daughters in Rockford, fostering a deep sense of belonging and responsibility towards our community.

My academic background includes an Electrical Engineering degree from NIU in Dekalb and a Master's degree in Business Administration from UW Madison focusing on Business Strategy. Recently retired from Collins Aerospace (formerly Sundstrand), I bring over three decades of experience in Business, Engineering, and Leadership. I have led impactful projects throughout my career, such as building an Aircraft Simulation lab under budget, managing an FAA certification lab, and overseeing a Systems Team for an international Aircraft Manufacturer. In addition to my professional endeavors, I have been actively involved in various volunteer capacities, including serving on the Girl Scouts Council Board, participating in Salvation Army Paint-A-Thons, and mentoring students at Guilford High School. These experiences have enriched my understanding of our community's diverse needs and fueled my passion to contribute more broadly.