Ralph J. Vasami leads Universal’s day-to-day operations, setting and communicating the company’s vision, priorities for growth and efficiencies, policy and procedures for global compliance and service standards, and strategic planning.

Ralph joined Universal full-time in 1982 as a meteorologist in the company’s White Plains, New York location, having been associated with the company earlier as an intern.

Ralph eventually transferred to Universal’s Houston headquarters, where he served in various management and executive roles before being named President in 2004 and CEO in March 2007. Ralph has traveled extensively in these roles, meeting with customers to ensure Universal’s services and products align with industry needs.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology from Northern Vermont University in Lyndonville, Vermont.

Ralph is an active member of the Houston chapter of Vistage, the world’s largest CEO membership organization. He has attended the Center for Creative Leadership and Kellogg School of Management. He is on the Board of Directors for the “WISE” program, an experimental learning program now active in over 90 high schools around the U.S.A., helping to reduce dropout rates and keeping students focused in their senior year on key community and topics of interest. Ralph also serves on the Board of Communities in Schools Bay Area, helping to transform students from at-risk of dropping out to proud graduates.

Ralph also served as an advisory board member of Texas Citizens Bank in Houston, Texas for 9 years.