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Joel Ray has a diverse and extensive work experience in the healthcare industry. Joel currently holds the position of Chief Clinical Advisor at Laudio since October 2022. Prior to that, they worked at UNC REX Healthcare for eight years, starting in February 2014. During their tenure, they served as the Vice President Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer, overseeing a 439-bed Magnet-designated hospital and approximately 3,039 clinical staff. Before joining UNC REX Healthcare, they held the role of Director, Surgery Services at University of North Carolina Hospital from June 2008 to February 2014. In this position, they were responsible for all nursing activities within a 226-bed surgery service and played a key role in designing a patient experience program that led to the hospital's #1 ranking in patient centeredness.

Prior to their roles in the civilian healthcare sector, Joel Ray served in the United States Air Force for over 25 years. Joel achieved the rank of Colonel and held various leadership positions. Notably, they served as the Chief Nursing Officer, Command Nurse at the USAF Academy Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado from 2005 to 2008, where they directed staff development for over 900 employees. Joel also served as the Senior Vice President, Chief Operations Officer at a multi-service hospital and clinic complex, overseeing a $112 million annual budget. Additionally, they held the position of Deputy Chief, Medical Operations and Deputy Command Nurse at the Office of the Command Surgeon, Headquarters Air Combat Command in Langley AFB, Virginia from 2003 to 2005, where they had oversight of clinical and nursing operations for multiple facilities.

Joel Ray has a diverse education history. In 1978, they obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Arkansas State University. Following this, from 1988 to 1990, they attended Arizona State University and earned a Master's of Science in Nursing with a focus on Adult Health. Joel Ray has also undergone professional development and training. Joel completed the Air Command and Staff College from the United States Air Force, Air University in 1995. Moreover, from 2000 to 2004, they attended the Air War College at the United States Air Force, Air University. Additionally, they participated in the Strategic Leader Academy at UNC Health Care, although the exact years are unknown. In 2019, Joel Ray obtained the NEA-BC certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.