Courtney Ray
Age: 34
City of residence: St. Marys
Current title: Coordinator of Communications & Recruitment
Place of business: Camden County Schools
Professional responsibilities: I have the privilege of telling the story of Camden County Schools. I share photos, stories, and achievements through social media and our website. I maintain the school system website, which is in the process of an upgrade at the moment. I coordinate special events and the Teacher of the Year program. I attend career fairs all over the state to recruit the best of the best teachers for our students.
Accomplishments/Honors: I survived teaching 14-year-olds for seven years. I feel like that deserves some type of award!
This year’s accomplishments:
• Coordinated Convocation
• Coordinated Teacher of the Year Recognition Ceremony
• Attended 8 Career Fairs
• Hosted first Camden County Schools Career Fair
• Coordinated Employee Retirement Luncheon
• Implement Updated Website and App for Camden County Schools (coming July 1, 2024)
Community Involvement: I recently completed Leadership Camden, which I highly recommend. Since I am not from Camden, it was both fascinating and fun to learn and see all about Camden.
Why did you go into your particular field? I taught high school ELA for the first seven years of my career. I majored in English and minored in Professional Writing in college, so when the position became vacant, my interest was piqued. My predecessor was doing a great job at telling our story, and I was excited to put my creative spin on our script.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a lawyer. My daddy would always say to me, “You’d argue with a fence post!”
What was your first job? I started working at 16 years old for my childhood best friend’s mom at her jewelry store in Luverne, Alabama – Lisa’s Jewelry Box & Gifts. It was the best job. I tried on all of the diamonds!
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Listen to understand, not to respond.
What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite thing about my job is the creative freedom I am given. Being able to create magazine issues, newsletters, event programs, etc., is a dream. I am incredibly thankful to think, “Oh, goodness! It’s already noon!” and not “Oh, goodness! It’s only noon!”
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? The path to success isn’t always a straight line. Actually, sometimes I feel like I am on a rollercoaster – a wild but really fun rollercoaster. Know your strengths and weaknesses and be adaptable.
Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? One of my coworkers. Understanding, patient, empathetic, and genuinely cares about my success.
When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I have two children, Sophia (6) and Vance (3), so relaxing can be challenging! I do, however, love lounging by the pool or beach and riding our boat. There’s just something so special about being on the water!
What is something about you that most people don’t know? Probably that I sing.
How do you hope to grow in your career? I hope to continue effectively growing as a leader. I hope to foster innovation and cultivate a positive work culture.
If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? Most likely something in the makeup industry.