Dr. Ray Wickenheiser, is currently the Director for the New York State Police Crime Laboratory System, headquartered in Albany, New York, however retiring in the fall of 2024.  He is a Past President (2017) of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) and a Briggs J. White Award (2022) recipient.  Ray is a member of the National Technology Validation and Implementation (NTVIC) Steering Committee, the Chair of the Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) Policy and Procedures Committee, and Co-Chair of the Rapid DNA Committee.  Ray was formerly the Chair of the Forensic Science Standards Board (FSSB) (2021-23) for the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science and an invited guest to the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis (2013-2023).  He is formerly an ISO and Lead DNA auditor for forensic laboratories.

Ray has over 40 years of experience working in the field of forensic science.  His areas of expertise include crime lab administration, quality management, conflict resolution, forensic DNA and mixture interpretation, serology, hair and fiber trace evidence, physical matching and comparison, glass fracture analysis, forensic grain comparison and forensic investigative genetic genealogy.  Ray holds a Doctorate in Bioethics and Health Care Policy, a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science Honours, and a Certificate in Genealogical Research.