Billy Ray, Human Resources Manager for Saracen Casino Resort, is a proud native and product of the Arkansas Delta. Receiving his college education from Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas in Helena and later Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Billy knew he wanted to return home to the Delta. He began his career in gaming fresh out of college working in Marketing for a Mississippi casino and for a short while in Human Resources, before following his desire to give back to his home county and pursuing a career in community and economic development leading a small Chamber. While in this role, Billy graduated from the Mid-South Basic Economic Development Course and the three-year Community Development Institute (CDI) where he was chosen by his peers as recipient of the annual Ernest Whitelaw Award for his respected leadership qualities. Following his completion of the three-year program, Billy was asked to return the following year and serve as CDI Advanced Year Class Director. After a stint in economic and community development, Billy returned to the gaming industry working his way thru various positions in Human Resources with two different casinos in Mississippi until he saw an opportunity to work in his home state as Saracen Annex posted for opening positions ultimately being hired as Human Resources Manager. Since being at Saracen from the beginning, Billy has played a key role in not only helping to manage current Human Resources operations and workforce needs but preparing to open Saracen Casino Resort by helping to recruit, train and hire hundreds of staff. His current duties include managing human resource operations, employee relations, HRIS functions, and ensuring compliance.
Billy, an avid Razorbacks fan, makes his home in Stuttgart in Arkansas County, where he’s situated halfway between his roots and family in Phillips County and his career located in Jefferson County. Billy is a member of the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce and the Central Arkansas Human Resources Association.
