Raymond G. Sandoval, a fifth-generation New Mexican and graduate of American University with a law degree from Boston. He began his professional journey by founding a successful bankruptcy firm in Seattle. Inspired by then-Senator Obama, Ray returned to New Mexico in 2009, becoming an Obama Fellow and later a Field Organizer for the 2008 campaign. In 2019, Ray’s field office staff and volunteers received an in-person presidential thank you for being the best in the nation.

Following this success, Ray established Citizens for Change to advocate for civil liberties and community involvement. As State Director for Organizing for America in New Mexico, he played a pivotal role in President Obama's 2012 victory.

Ray’s utility experience includes roles at the Public Service Company of New Mexico, where he began as a local government liaison, then Director of Environmental Stakeholders, and ultimately Director of Communications and brand Management. He became acquainted with Avangrid through this work and now holds the position of Vice President of Strategic Affairs, reporting directly to CEO Pedro Azagra Blazquez.

Ray’s commitment to his community is evident through his lifelong service to the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe and as Event Chair of the Burning of Zozobra since 2013. Zozobra, a Santa Fe, NM tradition since 1924, also known as "Old Man Gloom," is a 50-foot tall effigy that is set ablaze each year in a public ceremony to symbolize the burning away of negativity and raise money for kids. Under Ray’s leadership, this 101-year-old event has transformed, significantly, increasing attendance to over 75,000 attendees while maintaining affordability and family-friendliness. His innovative Zozobra Decades Project and the recent centennial celebration exemplify his dedication to keeping the tradition vibrant and relevant.

In addition to Zozobra, Ray was selected by then-Mayor Javier Gonzales to create the inaugural New Year’s Eve celebration on Santa Fe Plaza in 2015, introducing a unique twist by raising New Mexico's Zia symbol in the night sky alongside fireworks launched from the roof of the nation’s oldest hotel. This event now draws over 30,000 attendees annually. In 2022, Ray also created a vibrant new Día de los Muertos celebration in the heart of the city in honor of Santa Fe’s Mexican community and its most memorable tradition.

Throughout his career, Ray has received over 33 awards for his community service, reflecting his dedication to mentoring youth, building strong community relationships and business partnerships, and enriching the lives of others.