Sally Ray

Background

About Sally Ray

As a mission-driven leader, I have dedicated my career to advancing meaningful change through strategic nonprofit management and innovative philanthropic leadership. With a deep commitment to building healthier, educated, well-informed, and equitable communities, I specialize in orchestrating transformative strategies that amplify impact and ensure long-term sustainability. Leveraging expertise in disaster recovery planning, fundraising strategy, and grant writing management, I have successfully designed and executed comprehensive plans that drive measurable results. By aligning programs with organizational missions and engaging diverse stakeholders, I have cultivated relationships that secure resources, inspire action, and broaden donor pipelines, including securing major gifts and fostering ongoing support. My approach is both data-driven and people-centered allowing me to forecast budgets with precision while empowering teams to excel. I have a proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams, acquiring and nurturing top talent, and fostering a collaborative culture that promotes transparency and shared success. With strong skills in program development and relationship building with sponsors and partners, I bridge connections between organizations and their communities to ensure alignment with critical social justice and climate change initiatives. Throughout my career, I have championed causes that matter most by blending innovation with practicality. Whether advocating for marginalized communities, implementing disaster recovery plans, or fostering philanthropic investments in sustainability and social equity, I remain steadfast in my belief that meaningful change is possible through collective effort and strategic vision. NOTABLE CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Drove growth of CDP and supported the organization's expansion from $14M in 2018 to over $46M in 2022. Managed all aspects of $45M COVID-19 fund by guiding optimal distribution of unrestricted grants, resulting in recognition of CDP as a 2020 "CNN Hero." Headed employee emergency support programs for corporate partners to provide critical support. Created Central Oklahoma Resilience Project in collaboration with United Way of Central Oklahoma. I thrive in environments where I can turn challenges into opportunities, unite teams around a shared vision, and build impactful programs that leave a lasting legacy. Let’s connect on how we can drive progress together. Please don’t hesitate to send me a message via LinkedIn messaging or email (sallyray5@gmail.com)