Cari Ray

Background

About Cari Ray

In her career, Cari Ray has spent over 22 years in the laboratory as a Chemist and 11 years as a leader both in and out of the laboratory. As a Laboratory Manager, she has created an engaged and empowered team environment to own and drive continuous improvement in the laboratory processes to deliver results. The use of a team strategy to provide oversight of major laboratory processes was a vital step in the development of individual and team engagement. Through true empowerment, with appropriate accountability, the team strategy also improved the laboratory operations. Cari also develops individuals professionally to increase the team’s technical capacity and further their individual growth to prepare for their future career advancement. Her personal mission is to inspire people to be their best at work and to help them achieve it. This time investment in individuals is key to inspiring and leading her organization. Utilizing Lean tools, her team made a work flow improvement that liberated 2 hours per day through the elimination of wasted movements. With an evaluation of scheduling options, overtime in her organization has been reduced by 3.5% over last year. Cari is a Six Sigma Black Belt and has led projects to reduce variability, increase inter-laboratory agreement, develop cross-functional systems views to improve management oversight and eliminate waste. Her current project is slated to be worth $1.2M per year once fully implemented through a specification change in a critical raw material. Cari has a MS in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University and a BS in Chemistry from the University of Houston – Clear Lake. She is trained as an ISO 9001 and 17025 Internal Auditor which serves her well in her improvement projects.