CASSANDRA RAY
Chief Financial Officer
Saint Louis Zoo
Cassandra Ray’s Saint Louis Zoo career began in 1992 as a staff accountant. She moved through the ranks, and made history earlier this year when she was named CFO – the first female, as well as the first African American, to hold the position.
In her new role, Ray is responsible for fiscal oversight of the zoo’s $62 million annual budget, and has oversight responsibility for the zoo’s $104 million-plus cash and investment portfolio.
She also leads diversity and inclusion efforts at the zoo, and serves on boards of the St. Louis County Library Foundation, Lindenwood University and Duo Dogs. She earned an MBA from Lindenwood University, and an undergraduate accounting degree from the University of Missouri.
Career Path
When I was 16, I worked as a teller at Northwestern Savings & Loan. My mom was a vice president there, and I was able to see her in action. I took an accounting class and loved it! It was then that numbers, balancing and management clicked, and I knew I wanted to go into accounting and be a boss! Life got in the way big time. I was an INROADS intern in college, with the promise of joining the management development program after graduation. Due to budget cuts, they disbanded the program. But I landed at McDonnell Douglas, and have had an amazing career in accounting and finance!
Biggest Mentor
Barbara Jean Robinson Brown, my momma! I am blessed to have a mom who is involved in everything we do. She is our biggest cheerleader. Next, Stephen Barth, the zoo’s former CFO and my work champion, who believed in me and understood the benefits of succession planning. Also, my pastors David and Kim Blunt at Church On the Rock in St. Peters, Missouri, whose weekly teachings give me the fuel I need to endure. I thank God for these mentors!
Biggest Impact
Becoming CFO at the zoo has had a great impact from a “live your best life” standpoint. I have heard from people locally and around the world, congratulating me and noting me as an inspiration. Making history as the first African American woman in this position was a cherry on top!
Future Goals
I am excited about the new Conservation and Animal Science Center, and the expansion of the zoo’s programs and attractions at the new North Campus. The finance office is involved in ensuring financial sustainability in all the zoo desires to become. As the diversity and inclusion team leader, our team is working toward ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion in every aspect of our organization. My goal is to help us rise to the next level. I live to inspire young people and emulate those who inspired me! My husband and I aspire to do all those things we said we would do once the children were on their own.
Favorite Pastime
Reading! I am currently reading five books. Perfect weekends include relaxing at home with my husband, my books and my planner! I believe our lives are meant to go from glory, to glory, to glory. I am committed to being a life-long learner – always learning, always growing.
Memorable Life Moment
The day I married the love of my life, Quentin D. Ray, III. He was my first date. We’ve been together almost 39 years, and our marriage and family are our greatest accomplishments! I love us!
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