Brēyana Ray, CDP
Summary
Program leader with over 10 years of experience in advancing tech-based economic development in rural communities. Successfully maintained and scaled a $5M+ portfolio within the Rural Innovation Network, delivering measurable outcomes through effective team management. Spearheaded organizational transitions, including a shift to a paid membership model, while ensuring high retention and engagement rates. Expertise in building inclusive ecosystems and leveraging data-driven insights to enhance community impact and growth.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of the Rural Innovation Network
Center on Rural Innovation
Hartland, VT
03.2025 - Current
- Support the implementation of strategies to enhance tech economy ecosystems and drive entrepreneurship and job creation in nearly 40 rural communities across America.
- Successfully transitioned the Rural Innovation Network from a free membership to a fee-based community of practice model, achieving 100% participation in the first transition year and maintaining a 90% community retention rate to date through strategic program design.
- Oversee the design and delivery of inclusive programs that support local organizations and foster regional technology sector growth through targeted initiatives in entrepreneurship, technical skilling, and tech talent development.
- Collaborate across organizational divisions to ensure integrated approach supporting CORI mission and vision, Network growth and knowledge sharing.
- Recruit, develop, and lead a distributed team of subject matter experts across multiple domains including entrepreneurship, workforce development, and inclusive economic development, fostering collaboration and high-performance program delivery.
- Develop and implement outcome measurement systems to track program effectiveness and community engagement metrics, utilizing data insights to optimize stakeholder participation and improve program effectiveness.
- Leverage insights to optimize the community lifecycle and accelerate new member activation.
- Oversee $5M+ in funded projects ensuring quality deliverables as well as alignment with organizational growth objectives and stakeholder expectations.
- Plan and execute small and large-scale community engagement initiatives, including three successful Rural Innovation Network Summits and CORI's first sold-out national public conference.
Community Engagement Lead
Center on Rural Innovation
Hartland, VT
11.2020 - 03.2022
- Advised community leaders on best practices for inclusive programming and developing tailored strategies for effective recruitment and engagement initiatives.
- Led the design and implementation of community engagement strategies for events and programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and community needs.
- Facilitated workshops and working groups to cultivate strategic partnerships, focusing on resources for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within rural communities.
- Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to enhance inclusivity initiatives that support and empower rural communities of color.
- Lead and facilitated workshops and collaborative working groups that equip rural community leaders with inclusive engagement strategies, recruitment best practices, and practical tools to strengthen and grow local technology ecosystems.
- Partner closely with local and regional stakeholders to design and implement community-driven event and program strategies that foster belonging, expand equitable opportunity, and build sustainable talent pipelines; through these efforts, drive participation in tech initiatives that not only increase visibility but also create lasting economic impact and long-term ecosystem resilience.
Director of Coworking and Community Engagement/Community Manager
Codefi
Cape Girardeau, MO
11.2016 - 07.2020
- Managed daily operations of a 17,000 sq ft coworking space, overseeing a team of community managers to ensure high-quality service delivery for members and partners.
- Planned and executed in-person and virtual events, creating valuable opportunities for community engagement and professional development.
- Acted as a liaison to connect internal members and stakeholders, fostering collaboration and an inclusive environment within the coworking community.
- Oversaw the daily operations of a 17,000 sq ft coworking space, leading a team of Community Manager Assistants to deliver exceptional member experiences.
- Developed, planned, and executed a diverse portfolio of in-person and virtual events designed to foster collaboration, professional growth, and community engagement.
- Strategically connected internal members and key stakeholders to one another and to broader networks, building a dynamic, inclusive ecosystem that accelerates innovation and lasting community growth.
- Directed program management for 12+ annual initiatives focused on tech, entrepreneurship and community engagement utilizing Asana and Trello to coordinate cross-functional teams.
Director of Business Development
SES Consultants, Inc
Albuquerque, NM
04.2007 - 02.2010
- Identified, developed and executed business and marketing strategies based on company objectives and market trends.
- Drafted action plans and proposed changes to operating procedures to increase efficiency and maintain classified clearances.
- Evaluated expense budgeting, program adherence and contract performance for projects totaling over $1 million.
- Supported Chief Financial Officer in matters regarding contract negotiations for consulting and radiation test services.
- Maintained direct interaction with contract, legal, security, and administrative departments within current and potential customer organizations.
- Represented the organization at trade shows and conferences.
Education
Bachelors of Science - Business Marketing
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PAMaster of Business Administration -
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New MexicoTimeline
Director of the Rural Innovation Network
Center on Rural Innovation
03.2025 - Current
Community Engagement Lead
Center on Rural Innovation
11.2020 - 03.2022
Director of Coworking and Community Engagement/Community Manager
Codefi
11.2016 - 07.2020
Director of Business Development
SES Consultants, Inc
04.2007 - 02.2010
Bachelors of Science - Business Marketing
The Pennsylvania State University
Master of Business Administration -
University of New Mexico