Clay spent over 40 years in the U.S. military, building and leading our nation’s most elite aviation organizations. He is a passionate student of the art of leadership and has built a reputation as a compassionate but candid leader, committed to assisting individuals and organizations reach their full potential. As an accomplished special operations aviator flying some of the world’s most advanced aircraft and who has embraced emerging technologies throughout his career, Clay focuses on deep tech companies in the national security, counter-terrorism and aerospace sectors.
Before joining DCVC, Clay served at every level in the U.S. Special Operations community ultimately becoming the Director of Operations of the United States Special Operations Command before retiring as a Major General (2 star). Clay holds a bachelor’s degree in aerospace management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies from the United States Naval Command and Staff College, and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the United States Army War College.
Clay is the President and CEO of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding the education – from preschool through college – of the children of special operations personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty as well as the children of all Medal of Honor recipients.