Employee Highlight > Employee Highlight: Raymond Ellis

Raymond Ellis

Cyber Security Program Manager

What are some items on your bucket list?

Some items on my bucket list include traveling to New Zealand and Iceland and visiting and buying land in Alaska. I used to live in Alaska, and my kids were born in Fairbanks, AK. I would love to own property again in the valley for my kids to go back home to. I have always wanted to travel on the Ring Road in Iceland because I think Iceland is beautiful and I would enjoy seeing the sights.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would honestly tell myself that it’s going to be okay. I’ve always had a drive for success, but in the process of making goals and trying to achieve them, I think I put too much unneeded pressure on myself to be successful. Hard work does pay off, so I would tell myself to keep working hard and it will be okay!

What, in your opinion, has been the most important innovation/invention you have witnessed in your lifetime?

Hands down, I think GPS applications are the most innovative technology that have had a huge impact in today’s world. Within my lifetime, we’ve gone from finding and using a paper map to chart and plan your trip out, to printing out Google map directions before a trip, to now having apps that guide you precisely from your driveway to your destination. Sometimes I wonder if in today’s world, could we navigate or even read a normal map without an app?

What gets you out of bed each morning?

My alarm clock (a.k.a. my kids). My kids were blessed with being early risers and make it a point to let everyone know when they are up in the morning.

What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?

The first thing I would buy if I won the lottery would be property. I used to live in Alaska and miss the amount of land you could get for the price. Being able to pass down property to future generations and having a home for everyone to enjoy is something I’ve always wanted.

Do you have a motto or personal mantra?

I don’t really have a formalized motto or mantra for this concept, but a personal principle I live by is to try my best to bring positive energy to the things I do and for the people around me.

What is an ability you wish you had?

I wish I knew and could speak more languages. I love to travel, and I wish I had the ability to fluently speak the languages of the destinations I travel to. I love and appreciate different cultures, and I think it would make my travel experiences even better if I knew more languages.