Rayford Blakeney

Ray Blakeney serves as the Senior Director of Global Talent Acquisition for Cloud + AI, Security & Strategic Missions & Technologies at Microsoft, a position held since October 2017. Prior experience includes leadership roles at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where Blakeney managed human resources across multiple global divisions and significantly increased staffing in Global Development and Global Health. Involved in venture capital as a Strategic Advisor for M12, Blakeney has also contributed to educational institutions as a board member for College Access Now and the University of Dayton. Earlier career roles include talent acquisition and program management positions at Microsoft, highlighting a strong focus on diversity and recruitment strategy. Blakeney holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Dayton.