Life at SAIT
Ray joined the School of Business in 2016 and teaches Integrated Finance, Financial Planning, and Advanced Finance. Ray strives to inspire sincerity, hard work, and commitment to self-growth in his students, helping them understand that personal and professional development happens one day at a time. Ray is dedicated to working with students eager to launch their careers in the finance industry.
Ray believes that financial planning is a vital contributor to the well-being of Canadians. He aims to elevate the profession by equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the financial industry. Ray encourages students to live by the “10 things that require zero talent” mindset and to consider learning as a marathon rather than a sprint.
Each year, Ray coordinates and organizes an industry night in late January, ensuring the event is both well-attended and beneficial for SAIT students. Additionally, Ray has successfully negotiated an agreement with Conquest Planning, integrating their financial planning software into the Bachelor of Business Administration financial services program. This initiative is one of many others led by Ray that has provided students with practical, hands-on experience in financial planning.
Outside work, Ray enjoys traveling and spending quality time with his wife and two daughters.
Education
Ray holds a bachelor's degree in political science and economics from the University of Alberta and a Master of Business Administration in Financial Services from Dalhousie University. He holds several certifications, including Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), Financial Management Advisor (FMA), Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®), Elder Planning Counselor (EPC®), Registered Financial and Retirement Advisor (RFRA®) and Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI®).
Professional accomplishments
Outside the post-secondary field, Ray has had a distinguished career in the banking industry. He has worked in leadership, planning and advising roles for CIBC, TD, ATB Financial and BMO Bank of Montreal. His areas of expertise are as wide as his work experiences and have been largely focused on the areas of personal financial planning and investments. Ray is also a sitting member of the PFP® Advisory Council with the Canadian Securities Institute.
Ray’s commitment to teaching and his professional excellence have earned him several accolades. In 2023–2024, he was one of three financial services faculty members nominated by students for SAIT’s Teaching Excellence Recognition. Previously, he was also nominated for the Ralph T. Scurfield Award of Excellence at SAIT. In addition, Ray recently received the 2023 Leslie W. Dunstall Award Issued by The Institute for Advanced Financial Education - awarded to candidates in each province who achieve the highest examination marks for all CLU® course subjects.
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SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.