Before joining the Susan Terry Foundation in 2024 as its first executive director, Ray Carson was CEO of The ALS Association Florida Chapter, where he led the organization’s growth and efforts to support individuals and families affected by ALS. Prior to that, Carson spent more than 19 years with the American Cancer Society, including serving as director of media advocacy for their Cancer Action Network, overseeing media advocacy efforts across 24 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Carson also held senior positions at the American Cancer Society in Florida, including chief operating officer, senior vice president for support services and vice president of communications and marketing.

Carson holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and attended Albion College as well as the Gerald R. Ford Institute for Public Service. He is a graduate of the executive education program at Harvard Business School, where he expanded his leadership capabilities.