Big Red Barn Retreat names new executive director

A Midlands nonprofit has named a new leader.

The Big Red Barn Retreat has appointed Mitch Ray as its new executive director, effective June 2, according to a news release. With over 15 years of leadership experience and a personal connection to the military and first responder community, Ray brings passion and expertise to advance the BRBR’s mission of supporting heroes through transformative programs and services, the release stated.

Ray’s leadership background equips him to guide the BRBR in its commitment to providing the services, training and practices necessary to turn struggle into strength, the release stated. His ties to the communities served by the BRBR ensures a heartfelt dedication to expanding the organization’s impact throughout the Carolinas and beyond.

“I feel called to this role, to serve our military and first responder communities,” said Ray in the release. “This isn’t just an opportunity to lead, it’s a responsibility to serve those who have sacrificed so much for all of us. I’m committed to advancing BRBR’s mission to ensure that our heroes, both in the line of duty and after their service, have the training to transform the trauma they face into strength, purpose and growth. I look forward to growing the partnerships that make this mission possible.”

Located in Blythewood, the Big Red Barn Retreat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to helping heroes thrive, according to the release. It achieves this mission by providing transformative programs and services to veterans, active-duty service members, first responders and their families. The Big Red Barn Retreat emphasizes the importance of post-traumatic growth, which is a studied science that results in turning struggle into strength, according to the release.