K.Lynn Ray, MAI, CCIM, is executive vice president and chief appraiser at Veritex Community Bank in Texas, heading up the Real Estate Valuation Services (REVS) team, ensuring compliance while working with third-party vendors to obtain appraisals, environmental assessments, equipment appraisals, and business valuations for various types of loans. Ms. Ray also trains hundreds of lenders and underwriters to make sure the bank’s processes align with compliance and regulatory requirements.
With Ms. Ray at the helm of REVS, the team was honored with the Veritex Community Bank Circle of Excellence Award in 2021. Also with her leadership, the bank has grown from a small to a mid-sized institution, for which she is grateful and proud. Ms. Ray ascribes her achievements so far to her strong faith, unconditional support from her family, and the guidance of respected mentors, colleagues, and executives, including her boss. She also brought exceptional experience to her current position as a former senior review appraiser at Wells Fargo. Peering forward, Ms. Ray aims to continue her work and professional development at Veritex Community Bank, yet she hopes to prepare possible successors to someday assume her role. Desiring to educate aspiring individuals about the intricacies of real estate and finance, she also would like to teach at the college level.
Valued in her industry at large, Ms. Ray has been a member for more than 30 years of the Appraisal Institute and is past president of the Central Texas (Fort Worth) Chapter as well as the North Texas (Dallas) Chapter. In preparation for her career, she earned a master’s degree in land economics and real estate and a Bachelor of Science in agricultural economics, both from Texas A&M University. Additionally, Ms. Ray secured credentials as a Texas General State certified appraiser, a certified commercial investment member (CCIM) with The CCIM, and the Member Appraisal Institute (MAI) designation from the Appraisal Institute in 1995.
Married with a son, stepdaughter, and stepson, Ms. Ray is dedicated to her family and giving back to her community. She is a sustaining member of the Junior League, a volunteer at her local church, and a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization, known as P.E.O., a sisterhood that supports women’s education through scholarships, grants, loans, and collaboration with Cottey College. Moreover, she holds memberships in Chi Omega, the Agricultural Economics Club, and Alpha Gamma Rho Little Sisters. Away from working and serving others, Ms. Ray enjoys singing, playing the piano, reading, swimming, and visiting the beach.