"Ryder has demonstrated remarkable leadership within the transportation industry by proactively bringing higher levels of safety and security to its operations, and those of the customers it serves," said Mr. Ridge. "This was an opportunity both to thank Ryder for its commitment to safety, security and post-disaster recovery, and to speak about best practices, emerging issues and opportunities for increased collaboration between government agencies and business leaders."
Commenting on Mr. Ridge's visit, Ryder Chairman and CEO Greg Swienton said, "We know the reality we face today requires robust security and disaster planning, and we continually work to build on the wealth of knowledge our workforce brings to the company and the customers we serve. We are a global company with an extended reach and must consider the safety of our employees, the needs of our customers for the secure delivery of their goods, and our safe interaction with the public. We welcome Secretary Ridge and extend our thanks to him for sharing with us his considerable experience in security matters."
Secretary Ridge is the president and CEO of Ridge Global LLC, a company that assists businesses and governments in the areas of security, economic development, strategic business generation, change management, technology integration, and global engagement, among other issues. Following the September 11 attacks, Secretary Ridge became the first assistant to the President on homeland security and the first secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security. In this capacity, he worked with more than 180,000 employees from a combined 22 agencies to create a department that would facilitate the flow of people and goods, institute layered security in the air, land, and seaports, develop a unified response and recovery plan, protect critical infrastructure, and integrate new technology. He served in this role from January 2003 to February 2005.
Before heading Homeland Security, Secretary Ridge served twice as governor of Pennsylvania from 1995 to 2001. He was also as a member of the US House of Representatives for six terms, beginning in 1982. Secretary Ridge is a decorated Vietnam veteran. He earned a law degree from Dickinson School of Law and a bachelor's degree from Harvard University.
