David Lavery

Mr. David T. Lavery is a distinguished Business Manager and Security Advisor with an exceptional background in crisis management, risk assessment, and the development of comprehensive mitigation strategies. As the President and Founder of Raven Rae Consultancy Services (RRCS), David brings his wealth of experience to deliver holistic, secure, all-inclusive support and crisis/security risk management services. His career trajectory includes strategic roles such as the General Manager for Amarante International in Afghanistan, where he spearheaded security management initiatives and solutions. Additionally, he has served as Vice President at BMK AFG Engineering Inc., focusing on innovative blast mitigation and specialized security enhancements. His leadership roles extend to Managing Director for O&R Raven Rae International in the UAE and President of Raven Rae Kenya LTD, highlighting his global influence and expertise. Notably, he contributed significantly to HART Security Ltd. in Singapore as the Business Development Manager in 2009.

David’s military career with the Canadian Armed Forces spans 23 years, marked by exemplary service in units such as the Infantry, Canadian Airborne Regiment, and Counter Terrorist Hostage Rescue Unit. He was a key figure in the establishment of the Canadian Anti-Terrorist/Hostage Rescue Unit, dedicating himself to planning and operations, surveillance, counter-terrorism, executive protection, arctic warfare, and advanced survival tactics. Throughout his service, he was deeply involved in the instructional development of soldier training programs, from basic recruitment to advanced specialty courses.

After his illustrious military career, David joined the United Nations from 2001 to 2009, where he served in several high-profile capacities, including Security Advisor, Senior Operations and Training Manager, Senior Close Protection Manager, and Field Security Coordinator. During his tenure, he was responsible for advising on security matters, developing and implementing security plans, conducting security risk and threat assessments, and establishing the 767-member UN Protection Unit. He effectively managed the UN Country Team Security budget and assets, liaised with host nations, all UN agencies, and non-governmental organizations, and provided technical expertise during critical missions such as high-altitude search and recovery operations for aviation disaster victims. His service covered various challenging environments including Tajikistan, Somalia, Kenya, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Turkmenistan, and Eritrea.

David is a graduate of numerous esteemed North American institutions specializing in tactical warfare and security operations. His professional certifications are extensive, encompassing UN trainer for institutional security capacity building, Personal Protection specialization, Special Emergency Response Team Assault, and Advanced Field Medical training. Within the maritime sector, he holds positions as Company Security Officer, Ship Security Officer, and Port Facility Security Officer, with certifications in International Ship and Port Facility Security.

In addition to his professional pursuits, David is actively involved in community service and public relations. He founded and currently chairs the highly acclaimed annual Polar Bear Plunge in Perth, Ontario, a significant charitable event that raises funds for various causes. His humanitarian efforts also include coordinating international expeditions such as Dog Trek 1997-8, which aimed to inspire and raise funds for cancer research. He has served on the Board of Directors for Crime Stoppers in Pembroke, Ontario, and has been deeply involved in direct charity initiatives supporting Afghan communities and international children’s programs.

David’s outstanding contributions to security and community service have been recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious Order of Military Merit, which honours his professional achievements and unwavering commitment to humanitarian efforts.