Mark Ray joined UCF Athletics in June 2026 as Senior Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer. In this role, he serves as the department’s administrative operational leader, overseeing the day-to-day business and administrative functions of UCF Athletics while helping execute the strategic vision of Vice President and Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir. Ray plays a key role in driving organizational effectiveness, optimizing resources, and advancing initiatives that support competitive success, student-athlete development, and long-term financial sustainability.
A veteran leader in intercollegiate athletics, Ray previously served as Deputy Military Athletic Director at Army West Point Athletics from June 2017 to August 2019. As an executive leader for a department consisting of 280 staff members, 30 varsity programs, and more than 1,100 cadet-athletes, he helped guide one of the most successful periods in Army athletics history. During his tenure, Army improved from 163rd to 75th nationally in the Learfield Directors’ Cup standings, won nine Patriot League championships, captured two Commander-in-Chief’s Trophies, and earned two Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) bowl victories. He also oversaw strategic scheduling initiatives that contributed to exceptional academic outcomes, including a 90 percent NCAA Graduation Success Rate.
Before assuming the deputy role at West Point, Ray served as Assistant Athletic Director for Operations, overseeing military and academic requirements for cadet-athletes and leading operational planning for approximately 400 athletic competitions annually. He also held a leadership role with Teamworks, where he supported the delivery of technology solutions designed to improve operational efficiency and athlete performance for thousands of professional and collegiate teams worldwide.
Prior to arriving at UCF, Ray served as Program Manager for the Elite Forces Pilot Team (EFPT), a Department of Defense initiative advancing the Warfighter Brain Health program. In that role, he led multidisciplinary efforts focused on neurophysiological performance monitoring and the development of technologies designed to improve readiness, recovery, and long-term health outcomes for Special Operations Forces personnel. He managed all aspects of program development, strategic planning, staffing, and research implementation while working alongside military and civilian partners.
Ray also spent multiple stints with the United States Army Special Operations Command as Director of Human Performance and Wellness, where he led enterprise-wide programs supporting approximately 37,000 Army Special Operations personnel and 58,000 family members. He oversaw a comprehensive portfolio dedicated to physical performance, cognitive readiness, mental health, and overall well-being while managing significant personnel and operational resources across numerous domestic and international locations.
A 1996 graduate of the United States Military Academy, Ray served more than two decades in the U.S. Army, including over 20 years in Special Forces leadership and command assignments with deployments supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and New Dawn. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering from the United States Military Academy, a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, and a Master of Science in Sport Science from Lock Haven University.
Ray and his wife of 30 years, Tracy, have three children: daughter, Harper, and sons, Mark Jr. and Jac