Ray is currently engaged in providing coaching and mentoring services primarily to business owners who are intentionally engaged in growing their businesses, driving a culture that encourages positive engagement in the workplace, and those who are working toward the development and execution of a business transition. Prior to his retirement from Corient/Brightworth at the end of 2023, Ray was Brightworth’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner from 2014 through 2022. During his tenure as CEO, he led the firm’s strategic & management operations including the acquisition and integration of several RIA firms and/or teams. During his tenure as CEO the firms client assets grew from $1 Billion to over $5 Billion in Assets Under Management. In addition, as a Wealth Advisor, he provided comprehensive financial, tax & investment advice, primarily to business owner clients. His experience working with complex transition & succession strategies helped him guide both Brightworth and his clients’ success. Empowering Clients to Focus on What Matters Most.Prior to retiring, Ray was a Certified Public Accountant and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner. He completed the Investment Management Consultants Association’s Investment Analyst Program at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and received his Certified Investment Management Analyst designation. In addition, he was an Accredited Estate Planner®, a Chartered Life Underwriter and a Chartered Financial Consultant. Ray began his career with what is now Pricewaterhouse Coopers, later working for the Marriott Corporation and then serving as Vice President of Accounting Operations & Financial Reporting for Finalco Group, Inc. In 1986, Ray became a Principal and Senior Vice President of Finance for Capital Associates, Inc., a regional venture capital firm that provided both capital & funding services for portfolio companies.In 1988, Ray created ARC Financial Services, a financial planning firm that focused on the unique needs of business owners. He later merged that firm with Ron Blue Trust, a national wealth advisory firm, starting their Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Md. branches & eventually becoming the Vice President of Practice Areas & Chief Financial Officer at the national headquarters in Atlanta.Ray & his wife, Sharon, have four grown children & ten grandchildren. His hobbies include spending time with family, travel, boating, reading and exercise.