Growing up since the age of 9 years old in Louisville Kentucky, Stuart Ray always refers to himself as “a buckeye by birth, Kentuckian by the Grace of God.”

While his father was building Steel Technologies, Stuart attended Ballard High School and on to UofL for a brief stint. Knowing his calling was to work in the steel industry, Stuart joined Steel Technologies in 1981, starting out on the shop floor. His career at the company included working in operations, sales and eventually to management, including running the companies coveted Joint Venture Mi-Tech Steel with Japanese partner Mitsui.

The company was sold 2007 and in 2010 Stuart left Steel Technologies and dedicated himself full time to the company he founded, The Peregrine Company, a metals & trucking business. In 2019, Stuart & his daughter Shelby Ray Throneburg purchased Eagle Steel & Metal Products, a transportation and warehouse for metals. The Ray’s are strong as steel!

Throughout his career, Stuart volunteered in a variety of capacities, including, serving on the board of Maryhurst for over 10 years and being the first man to Chair Maryhurst, the 175-year old agency founded by the Sisters of Good Shepherds taking care of abused young women. It was his love of his four daughters which drew him to a charity for young girls in need.

Stuart was appointed by Governor Steve Beshear to the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Commission board, serving his last two years as Chairman. He also has served on the KFC YUM Center Board under both Governors Beshear & Bevin, turning the Arena into a financially viable facility.

Stuart is a proud father of 5 children, four daughters and a son, 4 grandsons and has been married to his wife Michele for nearly 25 years. Stuart is an active hunter, fisherman and previously licensed falconer and can often be found with his 2 yr old black lab Braxton!