2026 40 Under 40: Jason Ray

Jason Ray, 38, is a leader in community development, quality of life and inclusion. As executive director of the Southwest Missouri Council of Governments, he reactivated its designation as a federally recognized Economic Development District, leading to more than $60 million in federal funding. Ray also is director of Missouri State University’s Center for Resource Planning and Management. He has served on the board of the American Planning Association’s Missouri Chapter for 15 years, including as president for two terms, and is treasurer and board member for Springfield Community Gardens. He founded 417 Out & About Inc., with a membership of more than 800 in the LGBTQ+ community.

“I believe my most meaningful legacy,” he says, “is helping build stronger communities by connecting people, elevating voices and expanding access to opportunity.”