Ryan Ray
I am … 27.
I live in … Jacksonville, Florida.
I got into politics because … I wanted to change the campus culture at the University of North Florida, so I ran for student body president.
One principle I always put above politics is … Dependability. I strive to be guy who comes through for his community.
Person or people who gave me my first shot … Chris Quinn with JAX Chamber; he had my back and I will always have his.
I’ve already worked for … JAX Chamber, U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw, Operation New Hope and the University of North Florida.
On: Criminal Justice initiatives helping more than 150 ex-offenders start new careers, a strong business climate in North East Florida and Transformational Learning Opportunities for UNF Students.
When I begin a project or first work on a campaign, I look for … Allies. I’m passionate about bringing people together. And politicians who want to do something rather than be somebody.
I’ve been blessed to have these people as my mentors … My parents, Janet Owen (UNF), Chris Quinn (JAX Chamber), Kevin Gay (Operation New Hope), Denise Wallace (BCM Services), and Charley Hood (Rayonier Advanced Materials).
The people I most admire in politics are … U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw, UNF President and former Jacksonville Mayor John Delaney, and U.S. House Speaker John Boehner.
One lesson I’ve already learned is … If you’re going to be a bear, be a grizzly bear!
If I wasn’t working in politics, I would be working for … a zoo or conservation preserve. I was an exotic wild animal keeper for a summer in college at White Oak Conservation Center in Yulee, Florida. I had the time of my life!
In 10 years, you’ll read about me … Becoming the Bill Warren of Jacksonville.
You can connect with me on social media: Twitter/Instagram @ChrisWarrenFL, my dog @GordonTheBerner. Email: [email protected].
