Professional
Grant Consulting Since 1987
Raymond K. Vann & Associates was established in 1987 by Raymond K. Vann, Sr., to provide community
development project administration for local governments throughout Texas. Since 2004, our firm has operated under the
direction of Raymond (Ray) K. Vann, Jr. Although we have experienced significant growth over the last decade through
word-of-mouth advertising, Raymond K. Vann & Associates, LLC, has purposely remained a small business that offers a personalized
touch. We do not want to be a jack-of-all-trades business and we do not offer pie-in-the-sky promises just
to get new business. Rather, we focus on simply offering the best, hands-on service to our clients.
Our
goal is not to become the biggest, or the wealthiest, or even the most recognized community development consulting
firm, but rather to become a community development consulting firm that works for your community. If your community
desires a relationship with a firm that truly cares about your community and will only work in your interests, then we should
talk. We will honestly evaluate your needs and expectations and offer you our services only if we truly believe that
our service will benefit your community and the citizens you serve.
RAYMOND (RAY) K. VANN, JR.
President
Ray joined Raymond K. Vann & Associates in 2001 and purchased the firm in 2004 from Raymond K.
Vann, Sr. In the past decade, Ray has overseen steady business growth and has managed over $60 Million in CDBG projects.
Prior to
joining Raymond K. Vann & Associates, Ray founded a specialized high-end jewelry business in 1996. His business
maintained a steady growth pattern for three years and then was purchased by Houston-based Ashford.com. Ray joined
Ashford.com and assisted the company as it began trading publically on the NASDAQ stock exchange. While serving as Merchandising Director at Ashford.com, Ray planned, developed and managed a new product
division. During his tenure, Ray's division exceeded every quarterly revenue sales projection and always operated under
budget. When Ray left Ashford.com, his division had grown to produce annual sales revenue of over $6 million.
In addition to his
professional life, Ray was ordained in 2007 to the Order of the Permanent Diaconate and serves as a Roman Catholic Deacon
in the Diocese of Tyler. Ray also serves as a volunteer Police Chaplain with the Lufkin Police Department.
Ray holds Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Master of
Arts (M.A.) degrees in Theology from Saint Joseph’s College and is currently working a Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) candidate
at Pontifex University.
FE B. VANN
Director of Operations
Fe joined Raymond K. Vann & Associates, LLC, in 2004 as Manager of Accounts. In 2014, Fe assumed the role
of Director of Operations and is responsible for overseeing the daily operations necessary for successful implementation of
all projects.
Prior to joining Raymond K. Vann & Associates, LLC, Fe founded a small manufacturing company in 1996.
Her business, Houston Pouch Company, provided quality storage solutions for watch, pen and jewelry collectors. Fe closed
Houston Pouch Company after moving to Lufkin and directing her focus on obtaining higher education.
Fe holds an Associate in Applied Science
Accounting degree from Angelina College and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Account degree from Stephen F. Austin
State University.
BILL HOPPE
Senior Project Manager
Bill joined Raymond K. Vann and Associates in February 2014 after retiring from the Texas Department
of Agriculture (TDA). While at TDA, he worked in the Office of Rural Affairs administering federally funded Community
Development Block Grant contracts and providing outreach to rural Texas communities. Bill was assigned to TDA’s
Nacogdoches Field Office for the last nine years of his state service where his primary customers were the elected officials
and leaders in the rural East Texas counties and communities located in the Deep East Texas Council of Government and the
East Texas Council of Government geographical areas.
Prior
to his state service, Bill spent over 24 years in the United States Air Force serving in various command and leadership positions.
As a career pilot in the KC-135 aircraft, he logged approximately 3,000 of flying time while conducting in-flight aerial refueling
operations throughout the free world.
A native of
Nacogdoches, Bill earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science degree
in Education from the University of Southern California.
