Standard-Democrat
Chamber board appointee driven to help Charleston reach its 'unlimited potential'
CHARLESTON – The Charleston Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Board may have to alter its scheduled meetings to accommodate its recently elected member, Kaitlin Ray.
CHARLESTON, Mo. — The Charleston Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Board may have to alter its scheduled meetings to accommodate its recently elected member, Kaitlin Ray.
Perhaps, 2:30 a.m. to 4 a.m. might work for the incredibly busy (and driven) woman.
“I don’t have a lot of downtime,” Ray said.
Ray recently joined Taylor Clark and Qunitta Goodin as additions to the Chamber Board. Ray and Goodin have already served one year to fulfill other board members’ terms, while Clark is a newly elected board member.
Each will serve a three-year term.
“We have unlimited potential,” Ray said of Charleston. “We can make the downtown, or this community, into whatever we want it to be, as long as people are willing to put in the work it takes, and push through the uncomfortable growing pains of what will be required in order to get to the finish line.”
“Putting in the work” is the mantra of Ray’s life.
The 35-year-old (as of January 1) grew up in Wentzville, Missouri, but her parents and grandparents are from Mississippi County. Following her graduation from Murray State University with a degree in communications and public relations, she came to the Bootheel and worked as a project manager for the Sikeston Chamber, Economic Development, and Tourism.
Ray, who earned her master’s in business and human resources from Bethel College in Tennessee in 2022, now manages her family farm, while also owning rental properties, flipping homes in Charleston (which is her way of revitalizing the community), and working as a wedding planner.
Her passion for real estate and improving Charleston one home at a time is correlated to why she wants to serve with the Charleston Chamber.
“I love to see something old and neglected brought back to life,” Ray said.
As a child, she would visit her family in Charleston, and she recalls a more vibrant community than the one that exists today.
“From when I was young,” Ray said, “I can tell that there is a difference (in Charleston). There has been a major decline in the community. I hate to see that.
“If I am going to be here, then I want to live in a community that I am happy to be in.”
Ray believes in Charleston, or she wouldn’t be pouring her life, money, and energy into the community. She feels that the town has “opportunities” that are unique and attractive to potential residents and businesses.
“Charleston is unique in that it has historical character,” Ray said, “which is not common in many communities. A lot of (cities) have torn everything down and built new, cookie-cutter, contractor-grade (homes and businesses).
“We have a lot of unique, historical homes. That is one thing that sets us apart.”
She stated that the cost of living is also an attractive aspect of living in Charleston, but the beautiful, old structures in the heart of the city are just waiting for someone with “vision” to pour their heart (and money) into.
“There are a lot of opportunities here,” Ray said. “A community will only prosper when people have vision.”
Ray isn’t just talking about making a positive impact in Charleston; she is committed to helping the town improve every day, and she expects the same commitment from others in leadership positions.
“If you’re not willing to devote an adequate amount of time to do a good job,” Ray said, “then you don’t need to do it.
“Anything that I do, I try to do well and try to do to the best of my ability.”
CHARLESTON, Mo. — Kaitlin Ray has never shied from undertaking a challenge that she sees as worthwhile, and that attitude is what prompted her to recently file to run for an at-large seat on the City of Charleston City Council.
“What you’re not changing, you’re choosing,” Ray said, recalling the phrase that pushed her to act. “If I’m willing to sit back and not be content or happy with the way things are, then I need to step up and try to do something about it.”
Ray, who has never run for a political office, described her decision to run as a late but deliberate one, inspired by a message she saw on social media.
Though she does not have a background in government, Ray believes her professional experience in project management and human resources could strengthen city operations from within.
The 35-year-old graduated from Murray State University with a degree in communications and public relations, and she came to the Bootheel and worked as a project manager for the Sikeston Chamber, Economic Development, and Tourism.
She earned her master’s in business and human resources from Bethel College in Tennessee in 2022, and now manages her family farm, while also owning rental properties, flipping homes in Charleston (which is her way of revitalizing the community), and working as a wedding planner.
Her passion for real estate and improving Charleston one home at a time is correlated to why she wants to serve with the Charleston Chamber.
“I love to see something old and neglected brought back to life,” Ray said.
One of her points of focus for the City of Charleston will be that municipalities should regularly evaluate internal systems much like private-sector businesses do.
“Every organization needs to look at its processes and procedures and plan five to 10 years ahead,” she said. “That includes planning for employees.”
She pointed to what she understands is an aging workforce in city government and emphasized the importance of succession planning.
“We don’t want to be scrambling when long-time employees retire,” she said. “We need to bring younger employees in now to train under those who have 20-plus years of knowledge.”
While opponents may argue she lacks deep local roots, the Wentzville, Missouri, native grew up visiting her grandparents’ farm in Mississippi County, and she sees her perspective on Charleston as an asset.
“I think that’s exactly why I make a good fit,” she said of being from outside the area. “I have an outsider perspective and fresh eyes.”
While growing up in Wentzville, Ray watched that community expand rapidly from farmland to a booming suburb.
“I’ve seen growth happen,” Ray said. “I’ve traveled and seen other communities. Doing the same thing over and over isn’t going to get you a new result.”
When asked how she would promote Charleston to prospective businesses or families, Ray acknowledged the city may not yet be fully prepared for significant growth.
“I don’t think we’re ready,” Ray said. “We need to reflect on what we have to offer and what we need to build.”
Ray cited a need for more recreational opportunities, particularly for youth.
“There’s not a lot for kids to do in the summer,” Ray said. “It may not be on the scale of larger towns, but what can we do to make Charleston an enjoyable place to live?”
At the same time, Ray believes the city’s greatest strengths lie in its history and small-town appeal.
“Our historic value is absolutely wonderful,” Ray said, noting the number of homes built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. “We could be a beautiful cottage community. We don’t have to be huge to be awesome.”
Ray said her vision is for Charleston to lean into its historic charm while focusing on clean streets, community engagement, and long-term planning.
City Council members serve three-year terms, with the mayor selected annually from among council members on a rotating basis. The municipal election is scheduled for April 7.
She is challenging current City Council member Rick Toon.