Ray Khuo has spent over 30 years moving through the quiet machinery that keeps complex organizations running, from private equity-backed government contractors to post-acquisition integrations serving Defense Department, intelligence community and civilian missions. Now chief human capital officer at Tria Federal, he’s helping shape the company’s next chapter following its 2024 acquisition of Softrams.
In this Q&A, Khuo reflects on the career choices that led him here, the work of bringing people and systems together, and why Tria’s mission to serve veterans and service members carries personal weight.
Can you provide a brief overview of your professional background and career progression?
I have over 30 years of HR experience serving in a variety of progressive HR positions, including 20 yrs in leadership roles primarily spent in federal contracting organizations serving DoD, Intel, and Civilian programs and customers. The companies I have supported have been largely private equity-backed, with a strong emphasis on M&A transactions. During this time, I have led Human Capital harmonization and acquisition integrations, resulting in successful transactions, at two mid-sized organizations.
Why was this the path you chose, and how influential was it to your career?
What ultimately landed me at Tria Federal as CHCO was an appreciation for how Tria is focused on collaborating with customers to address their critical missions, the potential offered by the 2024 acquisition of a strong technical provider in Softrams, and the financial backing of the prominent private equity firm, Sagewind Capital.
The decision to join Tria was an easy one because it affords me the ability to be a part of delivering beneficial and needed services to veterans, service members, and civilians. This builds on my experience with companies that were focused on DoW and IC populations and provides a unique opportunity to see things from a different perspective that only expands my knowledge and experience.
Do you have a personal connection to the current mission you support?
An important part of Tria Federal’s mission is to serve our military and veterans at the Dept of Veterans Affairs and the Defense Health Agency. The support for VA holds a personal connection to me. One of my family members recently retired from the military and is utilizing VA services. It’s a privilege to be part of an organization that’s working to help transform such an important institution as it supports our veterans.
What are your current top priorities and responsibilities? How do these relate to your company’s overall mission/growth strategy?
My immediate focus has been on the harmonization of policies, benefits, and systems, but we are prioritizing areas that are impacting all organizations such as career progression, employee engagement, learning and development, AI technology integration, and working with our communities.
Where do you and your team see growth opportunities in your current field or portfolio you support, or what do you anticipate to be your customers’ top pain points?
The opportunity for professional growth remains substantial, particularly with enhancing our employees’ experience. Pulling different companies’ workforces and resources together can be a jarring experience for employees who have never experienced M&A. My team is helping shape and define the next evolution of our culture through the wide-ranging programs we’re introducing. Together with the support of our leadership and the inclusion of all our employees, we’re building a culture and a ‘vibe’ that will continue to attract a host of new talent while retaining our best.
How are you and your team planning to address/prepare for these opportunities?
Thoughtful planning, leadership feedback, and committees led by employees are all part of the collaborative and inclusive structure we will employ to help shape the programs and initiatives we launch.
How important is mentorship & networking in GovCon? Were they influential to your career?
Mentorship has been a vital part of my career path. Giving back to the next generation of talent has been a privilege to nurture. I’ve learned critical aspects of success and failures through my mentors, and I’m grateful for the time each has taken to share their wisdom and experiences with me.
Networking has not only helped further my own name recognition; it also added to the brand recognition for my employers. The connections I’ve made through networking have led to more creative solutions, better navigation of roadblocks, and lasting relationships that’ve created safe spaces to commiserate during those tough stretches.
What is something most people don’t know about you personally?
I’m a huge fan of our local sports teams, the Washington Capitals and Washington Nationals. Family and friends are a priority so you can often find me with them at games yelling at the refs. The games continue to be a terrific bonding experience for us through the highs and lows of the seasons.