After graduating from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA with a business degree, Ray began his career in wireless telecommunications, working in sales and management roles for Cingular and AT&T Wireless. After relocating to Clermont, FL, in 2004, he transitioned to entrepreneurship, co-founding a marketing business and engaging actively with local Chambers of Commerce.

In 2008, Ray joined the South Lake Chamber of Commerce as Director of Membership, later advancing to VP/COO at the Seminole County Chamber, and then serving as President of the Mount Dora Chamber in 2018-2019. Ray earned his Institute for Organization Management (IOM) designation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2015 and was appointed to the U.S. Chamber Institute Southeast Board of Regents (serving until 2020) and the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals Board.

Ray also held economic development roles with the City of Clermont, CareerSource Central Florida, and the UCF Business Incubation Program, where he fostered mentorships and enterprise connections for startups while also serving on the East Orlando Chamber’s Board of Directors.

Today, Ray serves at the Lake Economic Area Development Partnership (LEAD), a public-private organization dedicated to strengthening and diversifying economic growth in Lake County, FL. As part of LEAD, he focuses on supporting entrepreneurs and expanding the county’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Under his guidance, programs like 1 Million Cups and FastTrac® have created valuable opportunities for mentorship, education, and networking.