2025 Community Catalysts - Michael & Cindy Wray

 It is our great pleasure to present Michael and Cindy Wray as the 2025 Community Catalyst Awardees.

Michael and Cindy Wray have called Bartlesville home for 18 years, bringing both a creative spirit and a heart for service. They grew up in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex where, during the prior 40 years, they married and raised three beautiful children, Cody, Carly and Susan and have four grandchildren.

Michael has spent more than four decades as a, photographer, graphic designer, and creative director working with hospitals, nonprofits, schools, and businesses across Texas and Oklahoma. Cindy’s 40 year career in accounting with major oil and gas companies, including ConocoPhillips, gave her expertise and organizational skills that she has applied as treasurer and board member for numerous Bartlesville nonprofits. Together, they have combined their talents and experience to support education, the arts, and many community initiatives.

Their proudest work began with a very personal connection. When they moved to Bartlesville, Michael and Cindy also became parents to their young granddaughter, Bonnie, who attended Bartlesville Public Schools. After Bonnie was transferred to Jane Phillips Elementary, they recognized many missing pieces that other schools took for granted. Rather than accept that situation, the Wrays chose to dive in, supporting the teachers, staff, and most of all students in any way they could.

Although Bonnie attended Jane Phillips for only three years, Michael and Cindy fell in love with the children there. More than a decade later, they are still active at the school—volunteering, solving problems, and stepping in whenever a need arises. Their service has also extended to the broader community but Jane Phillips remains their special calling.

For the Wrays, service is simple: if there’s something that needs doing, they figure out how to get it done.