Ray Thompson
Candidate for District 3
Winnebago County Board Member
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.
EXPERIENCE
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.
Bachelor of Science Degree from NIU
Major: Electrical Engineering
Minor: Physics & Mathematics
Master’s Degree in Business Administration from UW Madison
Focus on Business Strategy
VISION & VALUES
Empowering a thriving community guided by the principles enshrined in our Constitution.
Constitutional Integrity: We uphold our Constitution as the cornerstone of our governance, ensuring its principles are honored and protected.
Veteran Appreciation: As a fundamental duty, we recognize the sacrifice and service of our veterans, honoring their contributions to our nation.
Fiscal Accountability: We are committed to ensuring municipal fiscal responsibility and transparency, holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards of financial stewardship.
Collaborative Partnerships: We believe in the power of constructive collaboration between businesses and government, fostering innovative partnerships that drive sustainable growth and benefit our community.
BIOGRAPHY
I was born and raised in Chicago, the youngest of eight children. My father was a steelworker, and my mom was a postal employee. They taught the values of hard work, community responsibility, teamwork, and gratitude. My parents migrated North from a farming community in South Carolina, looking for a better quality of life for their children. Our neighborhood of primarily single-family homes created a small community of folks who looked after one another. After college, I was recruited by Sundstrand, which was the start of my life in Winnebago County. My family has been actively involved in our community in various areas, including our Church, Technical Advisor for Explorer Boy Scouts, King Elementary Mentor, Rockford Music Academy volunteer, and many more. Extending a helping hand is in my DNA, and that is why I want to help by serving as Winnebago County Board Member for District 3.
FAMILY
Ray with his wife and their 3 daughters.
Here are just 5 of their 8 grandkids.
Introduction and Request for Support
Winnebago County Board Member Candidacy
Greetings,
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 interested in contributing 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.
As a candidate for Winnebago County Board Member, my vision and values center around critical issues that resonate with our community. I am dedicated to upholding the Constitution, honoring our Veterans, ensuring fiscal accountability, and fostering sustainable business-government partnerships.
I believe in the power of collaborative problem-solving to build a Better Winnebago County. I want your support and endorsement as we approach the primary elections on March 19th. I invite you to join me in this mission, endorse my candidacy, and help amplify our message throughout the community. Your support is invaluable, and I am open to any questions or suggestions you may have. Thank you for taking the time to consider my candidacy.
Let us make Winnebago County an even better place for us all.
Sincerely,
Ray Thompson,
Candidate for Winnebago County Board Member, District 3
This campaign is paid for by friends of Ray Thompson for Winnebago County Board Member
