It is our pleasure to announce the 2025 Community Catalysts – Michael and Cindy Wray. 🎉
The Community Catalyst Award was established in memory of Charlie and Corky Bowerman as a tribute to their remarkable contribution and unwavering dedication to the advancement of our community. The award recognizes those who, like Charlie and Corky, demonstrate exceptional commitment to fostering a sense of service to the community, demonstrate commitment to nonprofits, demonstrate loyalty and a sense of responsibility, perform all actions ethically and with integrity, and drive change through inspiration and leadership
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.
“Michael and Cindy are both hard-working, creative, dedicated volunteers who do the work because they believe in it,” said Stevie Williams. “They believe in our community and how together we can make a difference.”
Click on the button below to see BCF’s Laura Jensen interviewing the Wrays.
