Ray Towry was born and raised in Ephrata, graduating from Ephrata High School. He was active in sports and clubs as a student. He attended Bellevue Community College, where he played soccer then transferred to Washington State University.

Ray graduated from Washington State with a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation Administration and Leisure Studies with an emphasis in Business. At Washington State, Ray became a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, Vice President of the Recreaction Club and operated his own landscaping business.

Ray also earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington Evan’s School of Public Affairs.

Fortunately his wife is from Moses Lake, thus making coming home to Grant County after graduation an easy decision. He was with the City of Moses Lake seasonally through college and then in a full time capacity for a decade before accepting a full time position with the City of Ephrata as the Recreation, Public Relations and Tourism Director. He has served in many positions with the Washington Recreation and Parks Association, most recently Vice President, President Elect, President and Past President. He’s also volunteered for other local organizations.

Ray currently serves the citizens of Sweet Water, OR as the City Manager; working closely with the department heads to help serve the community.