About Ray Foundation, Inc.
Ray Foundation, Inc. seeks to encourage the potential in the youth of America by enabling them to develop life skills such as self-discipline, self-confidence, and self-reliance.
Keeping with the spirit of our founders, Ray Foundation, Inc. primarily supports education programs and organizations with a focus on aviation and aerospace.
Our Board of Directors
Ray Foundation, Inc. Directors extensive professional backgrounds in law, accounting, and investment management provide a unique insight and resource for grant recipients.
Charles J. Ahearn, CFA
President
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“Chuck” Ahearn was James Ray’s CEO, Ray Foundation Director, and friend for nearly 15 years. The two formed a great team and shared a passion for aviation, investments, technology, and more. Chuck served as venture capital analyst, office manager, portfolio manager, pilot, and yacht engineer. He continues to represent James Ray and the Foundation by serving on several charitable boards including the UND Aerospace Foundation, and Aerospace Center for Excellence, Lakeland, Florida. Chuck was often referred to by James as “My Wingman”, a title he is proud to carry.
Prior to joining Mr. Ray, Chuck was a Vice President and Portfolio Manager for The Northern Trust Company. As President of Ray Foundation, he is responsible for the day to day management of Foundation business, portfolio management of financial assets, and the continuation of Ray Foundation philanthropy with his fellow Directors. “As James’ Wingman, it is an honor and a privilege to carry on the mission.” Chuck resides in Naples, Florida with his wife, Katie, and has three children.
Education:
- UMass Amherst, 1988 BA Economics
- University of Toledo, OH 1991 MBA Finance
- ICFA, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), 1995
Jeffery J. Tempas
Treasurer
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Jeffery J. Tempas, (‘Jeff’) has been a Ray Foundation, Inc. Director for the past 25 years and served as James’ tax accountant, adviser and confidant for thirty years. Having witnessed James’ philanthropy blossom and expand over the years, Jeff is excited about the opportunities ahead to further the Foundation’s philanthropic mission.
Jeff has been a long-time resident of Columbine Valley, CO where he and his wife, Jenny, are avid golfers. Jeff was a practicing CPA in Colorado for nearly 40 years. He served as Treasurer of Columbine Valley for nearly 20 years. He and Jenny have four children and seven grandchildren.
Education:
- Princeton University, 1969 BA Economics
- University of Chicago, 1971 MBA Finance and Accounting
Patti Arthur, Esq.
Secretary
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Patti Arthur, Esq. has been legal counsel to the Foundation since 2017. She has practiced law for over 30 years with a special emphasis on nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations and has represented many public charities and private foundations regarding the complex tax matters unique to the independent sector.
Patti is also a former airline pilot and airline instructor. She flew Beech-99s in the Grand Canyon for Air Vegas Airlines, Saab-340s and ATR-42’s, 72’s and 72-212A’s for American Eagle Airlines domestically and internationally, and Bombardier CRJ-200’s for Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation. After flying professionally for those airlines, she worked as an instructor for CAE simulation systems teaching on the CRJ-200, 700, 900 platforms.
She returned to the full-time practice of law in 2008 and is a frequent webinar and seminar presenter for aviation organizations. She has authored technical guides on a variety of tax-exempt topics specific to aviation related activities. Patti is also a nationally recognized legal resource on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) and the emerging regulations surrounding their use.
Patti’s maternal Grandfather was also a pilot and was a member of the 17th Aero Squadron in World War I where he was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal. He was a personal friend of Eddie Rickenbacker.
Education:
- Wilkes University – B.S. Biology, 1986
- Western Michigan University – J.D., 1990
- University of Denver – LL.M. (Tax), 1991
Hon. Ted Brousseau, Jr.
Director Emeritus
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Passionate about aviation, Ted Brousseau has been a well-known flight instructor at Naples Airport for nearly 50 years. In 2005, James Ray was seeking recommendations for “tailwheel transition training” and was directed to Ted for this specialty. The two became friends and it was soon evident that they shared a similar passion for youth oriented aviation education. Ted has provided introductory flights to over 600 youth through the EAA’s Young Eagles program and has volunteered several weeks each summer as chief flight instructor for Civil Air Patrol glider training encampments around the country. With thousands of hours of flight time, and such a dedication to flight instruction, Ted soon earned the title “Chief Pilot” from James, and flew with him regularly.
Ted’s professional law career began in Naples, following graduation from Stetson University. As a practicing attorney, he ran for the position of Florida Circuit Court Judge and was elected, serving for over 30 years. After retirement, Ted continued service as a volunteer mediator in the Collier County court system, and as Director of the Citizen’s Foster Care Review Board in Naples. Ted often advised James on legal matters, and James was quick to point out Ted was one of his reliable, non-obsequious advisers. Ted resides in Naples, Florida with his wife, Brenda, and has four daughters.
Education:
- Stetson University, BA Economics
- Stetson University, Juris Doctor
Awards:
- FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, celebrating 50 years of safe flying