Mr. Roy Ballard began his career as co-op student in the Radar Branch at WPAFB in 1987, converted to full time Civilian Service upon graduation in 1989 and joined Matrix Research in 2023. Before joining Matrix Research, Roy had 36 years’ avionic sensor development and exploitation experience as an Air Force engineer at the nationally recognized Air Force Research Laboratory where he led people, teams, and programs to develop, integrate and deliver affordable multi-spectral, multi domain, multi-intelligence sensing capabilities. During his tenure with the USAF, he served in a wide range of roles including Division Chief of AFRL’s Multi-Domain Sensing Autonomy Division, Deputy Division Chief of AFRL’s Multispectral Sensing & Detection Division, Deputy Division Chief, Branch Chief and Tech Advisor within AFRL’s Sensors Directorate Plans and Advanced Programs Division. He also served as Air Force Research Laboratory Combat ID Team Lead, and the Aeronautics Portfolio Manager at AFRL Headquarters Aeronautic Technology Sector. Mr. Ballard is currently serving as a Chief Engineer at Matrix Research in Beavercreek, Ohio where he manages the distributed RF R&D portfolio and provides strategic guidance on future business pursuits to senior leadership.

Roy received a BSEE from Wright State University in 1989 and a MSEE from the University of Dayton in 1994, he is also a graduate of Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Alabama (correspondence) in 2008, and received multiple Acquisition Corps certifications. Mr. Ballard is recipient of numerous awards and honors to include Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award, Sensors Directorate Supervisor of the Year, 46^th Annual Federal Employee of the Year, AFMC’s “Lt. Gen Ferguson Award” for excellence in technology transition and multiple Avionics and Sensors Directorate Technology Transition Awards.