Ryan Rawding

Vice President, Homeland Security Sector

BigBear.ai

Mr. Ryan Rawding serves as the Vice President for BigBear.ai’s Homeland Security Sector, where he
leads strategic initiatives focused on advancing national security through cutting-edge data analytics,
artificial intelligence, and mission-critical technologies. He also serves as the Project Lead for
development Anomaly Detection Algorithms utilized by Customs agencies, driving innovation to
enhance global trade security and enforcement.
Prior to joining BigBear.ai, Mr. Rawding served as the Acting Assistant Director of the U.S. Customs and
Border Protection (CBP) National Targeting Center (NTC). In this role, he oversaw one of the agency’s
most mission-critical operations, leading a team of over 400 federal officers, analysts, and support
personnel. His portfolio spanned national security threats including terrorism, trade-based money
laundering, transnational criminal organizations, alien smuggling, illegal migration, and narcotics
trafficking.
Throughout his CBP career, Mr. Rawding was a key architect of next-generation targeting systems. He
led the implementation of machine learning, facial recognition, predictive modeling, robotic process
automation, and artificial intelligence technologies across CBP operations—transforming how data is
leveraged to secure U.S. borders and trade. His work enabled agency-wide innovation, driving both
operational efficiency and mission impact.
Mr. Rawding began his CBP career at John F. Kennedy International Airport, where he served for over 13
years with distinction as a frontline CBP Officer before advancing through leadership roles at the
National Targeting Center.
In addition to his civilian service, Mr. Rawding is a Chief Petty Officer in the United States Coast Guard
Reserve, with over 22 years of service in maritime law enforcement and homeland security. As a
Maritime Enforcement Specialist, he has operated in key mission areas including port and waterway
security, counter-narcotics, migrant interdiction, and vessel boarding operations. He is a certified Coast
Guard Boarding Officer Ashore, with specialized expertise in enforcing maritime laws at critical
infrastructure sites and ports. Mr. Rawding currently serves with U.S. Coast Guard Sector
Maryland–National Capital Region, responsible for the safety and security of the Chesapeake Bay, the
Port of Baltimore, and surrounding waterways in the National Capital Region.
Mr. Rawding brings a unique blend of operational leadership, policy insight, and technical acumen to his
work, making him a trusted voice on the future of maritime security, trade enforcement, and emerging
technology integration.

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