About David Raad David Raad is a former United States diplomat with more than s6 years of Sudan-specific experience. He has traveled throughout Sudan, working and living in both Juba and Khartoum. Engrossed by Sudan's people and climate, David's decision to devote a career focusing on bringing success to the country came easy. During his experience as a diplomat, Mr. Raad helped found the US Department of State's Sudan Programs Group and his portfolio included economic, development, security and counter terrorism-related subjects. In addition to serving as the Senior Desk Officer for Sudan, David was a core member of the United States' representation to the Sudanese peace talks which culminated in the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Upon signing of the peace agreement, the late SPLM Chairman and South Sudan President Dr. John Garang asked the United States to second David to the SPLM and emerging Southern Sudan government as a political advisor. Closely assisting the Movement's leadership team during its time of change, David was on hand to help establish a number of assistance, political and security-related protocols. It was at this time that he witnessed the tragedy of the loss of John Garang and assisted in the following leadership transition and crash investigation. Following a successful 18 months of working as a political advisor for the SPLM, David kicked off his own venture creating DR&A at the behest of Southern Sudan's President and SPLM leadership. It was from this request that the Southern Sudanese leadership asked David to use his many years of close experience with Sudan to help investors and those interested in betting on Sudan's future better understand the challenges and opportunities. Since 2006 David has leveraged his economic and development experience to successfully assist clients in a diverse spectrum of industries including manufacturing, financial services, mining, natural resources (Teak and biomass), construction, aggregate supply, logistics, security and others. David advises several Southern Sudanese government commissions and is an advisor to the newly-formed Southern Sudan Investment Authority. Since 1996 David has been active in campaign and election operations throughout southeast United States in both field and leadership roles. He has served as Executive Director of President Bush's reelection effort in Missouri in 2004, and has served in a number of campaign and political operations including the 2000 RNC Convention. He also worked in the United States House of Representatives for then Congressman Lindsey Graham's legislative team focusing on appropriations, military, veteran and tax-related issues. David graduated from Clemson University in 1997 majoring in History and Political Science. David studied abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia under the Clemson University Russian Studies program. Before attending and graduating from Clemson University, David served in the US Army's First Ranger Battalion, taking part in Operations Desert Storm and Just Cause. David splits time living between Juba, South Sudan and Nairobi, Kenya with his wife Lori.