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Tom Ridge Announces New Venture

2007-09-29 02:29 2485

First Secretary of Homeland Security to Advise Clients on Key International and Domestic Issues

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --

Tom Ridge, the First U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and a two-term governor of Pennsylvania, today announced the launch of Ridge Global LLC, a global advisory firm that provides strategic and operational guidance to clients worldwide.

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"I’ve enjoyed a wonderfully fulfilling public service career that crossed a range of international and domestic disciplines," said Ridge. "Ridge Global gives me an opportunity to continue that service in a new context. I look forward to working with my associates and clients as we forge innovative solutions to address today’s most pressing 21st century challenges."

Ridge Global assists clients with a range of needs, including strategic business generation, global trade security, risk assessment and contingency planning, crisis management and communications, leadership guidance and change management, special event security and technology innovation and integration.

Based in Washington, D.C., the firm comprises a vast bench of talent drawn from former high-level posts in both the government and private sector arenas. Members of the Ridge Global Advisory Committee include such notables as international security and terrorism analyst Gen. Barry McCaffrey (Ret.), former U.S. Homeland Security Advisor Gen. John Gordon (Ret.), former U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Thomas Collins (Ret.) and former White House Cyber Security Advisor Howard Schmidt.

Though publicly launched today, Ridge Global already has attracted a diverse array of clients, including the government of Albania, which has enlisted Ridge Global to help the Adriatic democracy meet its goal to join NATO in 2008. Additionally, the Ridge team assists Albania in attracting private enterprise and creating a roadmap for political and justice reforms. "Given an extraordinary depth of expertise, Tom Ridge is a leading statesman and participant on the world stage," said Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha. "We value his forward-leaning wisdom and input."

Ridge Global also provides counsel to Deloitte & Touche USA LLP on issues, challenges and trends facing today’s states and governors. "With Tom Ridge’s experience at the state and federal levels, we’re delighted that our organization and our state government clients have access to his creative insights and results-driven perspectives," said James H. Quigley, Global CEO of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.

About Tom Ridge

For more than 25 years, Tom Ridge led an exemplary career in public service. Following the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, Tom Ridge became the first Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and, on January 24, 2003, became the first Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The creation of the country’s 15th Cabinet Department marked the largest reorganization of government since the Truman administration and another call to service for the former soldier, congressman and governor of Pennsylvania.

During his tenure, Secretary Ridge’s leadership and vision were instrumental in creating a border-centric agency that developed and coordinated a comprehensive national strategy to strengthen protections against terrorist threats and attacks in the United States.

Before the tragic events of September 11th, Ridge was twice elected governor of Pennsylvania. Known for his commitment to high standards and results, Governor Ridge delivered on his promise to make Pennsylvania "a leader among states and a competitor among nations." His aggressive technology strategy helped fuel the state’s advances in economic development, job growth, education, health care and environment protection.

Born in Pittsburgh’s Steel Valley, Governor Ridge was raised in a working-class family. He graduated from Harvard with honors in 1967, before being drafted into the U.S. Army to serve as an infantry staff sergeant in Vietnam. His service earned him the Bronze Star for Valor, the Combat Infantry Badge and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. In 1982, he became one of the first Vietnam combat veterans elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and was overwhelmingly re-elected five times.

Additionally, Tom Ridge serves on public and private boards and is currently the chairman of the National Organization on Disability. His nonprofit work also includes service with the Council for Competitiveness, the Center for U.S. Global Engagement, the Center for Excellence in Government and the Center for the Study of the Presidency. He continues to contribute to matters concerning our nation’s veterans and, along with Gen. Tommy Franks (Ret.), serves as national co-chairman of the Flight 93 Memorial Fundraising Campaign.

About Ridge Global LLC

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., Ridge Global LLC provides strategic and operational advisory services that advance the security and economic needs of business and governments worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.ridgeglobal.com.

Source: Ridge Global LLC
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