Staff Leadership

Cynthia L. Ray, M.Div.
Executive Director
​Serving as Executive Director of PAHSA since June 2012, Cindy fosters strong, collaborative relationships across the association. She oversees day to day operations, organizes PAHSA events, provides support for and communication with PAHSA members and strengthens the relationship and effectiveness with Presbyterian denominations and organizations in ministry to older adults.

Cindy is also employed as Senior Communication Specialist with Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS), a member of PAHSA, which provides management services to the association. 

​Cindy is ordained as a teaching elder (clergy) in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and a member of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area. She is a past moderator and trustee of the presbytery. Cindy also serves on the Finance & Facilities Commission of the Minnesota Council of Churches and the Dementia Friendly America National Council.  She is a member of the Women's Leadership Advisory Board for the University of Mankato, Minnesota. Cindy has been a contributing author to The Presbyterian Outlook, Horizons Magazine and These Days devotional magazine. 
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Before coming to PHS and PAHSA, Cindy served for over 25 years as pastor of congregations in Florida, Missouri and Minnesota. She holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism from the University of Kansas, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Ecumenics from the Ecumenical Institute of Bossey, the study center of the World Council of Churches in Geneva, Switzerland. Cindy lives in St. Paul, MN with her husband, Steve Nicholson and a scrappy dog named Zoey.  They have two grown daughters who also live in St. Paul. Together they are active in the life of Macalester-Plymouth United Church in St. Paul.

Cindy has announced her retirement, effective in April 2025.

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