Ray Hoyt is president of Tulsa Regional Tourism where he is responsible for leading the long-term strategies and advocacy for Tourism development, destination place making, sales, development and programming efforts of Visit Tulsa, the Tulsa Sports Commission and the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture divisions at the Tulsa Regional Chamber.
Upon joining the Tulsa Regional Chamber in September of 2010, Ray served as the executive director of the Tulsa Sports Commission where he was responsible for the day to-day leadership, growth and development of the sports commission’s relevance and advancement in the local, regional and national sports market. Shortly thereafter, Ray matriculated to senior leadership responsibilities at the Tulsa Regional Chamber when he became senior vice president of Visit Tulsa and the Tulsa Sports Commission. During his tenure in this expanded role, Ray led Tourism campaigns designed to develop gap funds. These funds are utilized for continued investment in tourism, as well as enhancing the quality of life for Tulsans.
Ray is actively working on the implementation of Tulsa’s first tourism-based improvement district and is convening and collaborating with community stakeholders on multiple vision projects like the USA BMX National HQ, Cox Business Convention Center renovation, and destination development strategies for the future.
Prior to his arrival in Tulsa, Ray served as the director of national games for the National Senior Games Association, an organization he had been associated with since serving as its inaugural executive director of the Tucson Sports Commission from 1994 through 1997. The Walt Disney Company, a world-renowned convention, sports and tourism leader, recognized Ray’s success in Tucson and invited him to join Disney’s Wide World of Sports team in 1997. There, Ray led the event management team, executing more than 200 events annually. His impact resulted in more profitable events defined by higher per-athlete spending and increased room nights sold per event.
Ray graduated from Illinois State University with a BS degree in Parks and Recreation Administration and is an active member of the National Association of Sports Commissions and Destination Marketing Association International.
Away from the office, Ray enjoys golf, cycling, and spending time with his family. Ray lives with his wife Tricia Milford-Hoyt and their two children, Riley and Regan who are competitive swimmers. Ray’s oldest daughter Alyssa resides in Tucson, Arizona with her daughter Teagan.