Michael C. Ray
Michael C. Ray joined the Ball State University Foundation board in 2016.
Ray graduated from Ball State in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and computer science and started his career with Coopers & Lybrand.
Ray spent most of his career with Vera Bradley. He joined the company in 1998 as the director of finance. From 1999 until 2004 he served as the company’s national sales director, and then was promoted to executive vice president of sales and marketing in 2004. In October of 2007, Ray accepted the position of chief executive officer for Vera Bradley.
During his time as CEO, Ray oversaw all the day-to-day operations for the company. In his role he played an integral part in the distinctive culture and the successful evolution of the company. In June of 2013, Ray retired from Vera Bradley and now volunteers his time to assist a number of philanthropic causes.
From 2006 until 2015 Ray was a member of the Board of Governors for Riley Children’s Foundation. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation since 2014, and the Seaside School Foundation since 2016.
Ray is a member of Ball State’s Leaders and Loyals, Fellows, and Quadrangle giving societies. He and his wife, Amy, have four children and split time between their homes in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Seaside, Florida.