Ray is 54 years old and has lived most of his life in Fairfax County. He attended West Springfield High School, from which he graduated in 1975. Ray went to college at George Mason University and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration in 1979. He received his law degree from George Mason University School of Law in 1982, and was admitted to the Virginia State Bar shortly thereafter.
Ray was in the private practice of law for a short time before becoming an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County in 1983.
For over 28 years, Ray has served the citizens of Fairfax County as a prosecutor in the Commonwealth's Attorney's office. In 1988, Bob Horan selected Ray as his Chief Deputy, a position he held until he was appointed to succeed Mr. Horan as Commonwealth's Attorney in 2007. He was subsequently elected to the office and continues to serve Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the Towns of Vienna and Herndon as Commonwealth's Attorney.
Ray holds leadership positions in numerous professional organizations relating to prosecution and the legal community in general. He is a frequent speaker at community, school, and business events.
Ray has been active in the community and law enforcement for many years.
His contributions include:
- Virginia Department of Forensic Science, Forensic Science Board (Chairman, 2009-10)
- Virginia Association of Commonwealth's Attorneys (Secretary/Treasurer, 2011-present)
- National District Attorneys Association (Director-at-Large, 2010-present)
- Faculty Member, Virginia State Bar Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Course
- Past Member, Fairfax Criminal Justice Advisory Board
- Past Chairman, Fairfax County Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program
- Past Member, Fairfax County Initiative Against Youth Violence
- Past Member, Board of Governors, Criminal Law Section, Virginia State Bar
- Past Member, Board of Directors, Fairfax Bar Association
Ray has also coached youth sports for the Fairfax Police Youth Club.
Ray is married and is the proud father of two children, ages 17 and 15. He and his family live in Clifton, Virginia.