Serving Oklahoma Entrepreneurs: Ray Fitzgerald Named Director of Loan Programs

For Ray Fitzgerald, stepping into his new role as Director of Loan Programs at TEDC Creative Capital isn’t just a career milestone; it’s a continuation of a lifelong connection to Tulsa and a deep commitment to the people who call it home.

From growing up in the city to serving overseas and returning with a renewed sense of purpose, Ray’s path has always been shaped by service, community, and a desire to create opportunity for others.

Rooted in Tulsa

Ray’s story begins in Tulsa, but not in just one corner of it.

“My experience growing up in Tulsa was unique,” he says. “Living in East Tulsa in the heart of the global district, spending time in North Tulsa schools, and graduating from Jenks, I learned to love the whole city.”

That perspective, seeing Tulsa in its entirety, understanding its diversity and its challenges, would later shape how he approaches his work and the people he serves.

Service That Shaped His Path

After high school, Ray enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served two tours in Afghanistan and completed his active-duty service as a Sergeant.

The experience left a lasting impact.

“I learned leadership, passion, and a sense of duty,” he says. “Those are things I try to carry with me every day while serving Tulsa and the state’s economic development.”

That sense of responsibility to something bigger than himself became a throughline in everything that followed.

A New Chapter at TU

Returning home, Ray enrolled at the University of Tulsa, where his focus shifted toward finance, economics, and the broader systems that shape opportunity.

“I met some of the most driven, intelligent, and caring people there,” he says. “That experience really shaped my understanding of how capital impacts communities and creates opportunity.”

It was here that the connection between people, resources, and long-term growth became more than an idea; it became a direction.

Finding the Right Fit at TEDC Creative Capital

Ray’s path to TEDC came through the Tulsa Service Year program, a GKFF initiative that connects emerging leaders with meaningful work in the community.

“It was an incredible program,” he says. “It helped me grow as a leader and really understand the ecosystem we’re building here in Tulsa.”

That experience led him to TEDC, where the alignment felt immediate.

“I chose to work at TEDC because I saw the incredible work the organization was doing, and I wanted to learn how to have an impact in my community,” Ray says. “I was inspired by the leadership and the way TEDC partners across the city, the state, and even nationally to create real change.”

Learning, Leading, and Serving Entrepreneurs

Over the past five years, Ray has grown within TEDC, learning the complexities of lending, credit policy, and the responsibilities of deploying capital in ways that support real businesses.

“I worked under Director Bill Linsao, who took the time to train me and show me how lending and credit policy is managed and reviewed,” he says. “That foundation has been incredibly important.”

But beyond the technical side, it’s the people who have left the biggest impression.

“I love working with entrepreneurs,” Ray says. “Whether it’s a $15 million project or a $5,000 loan, I meet people every day who combine dreams with grit. It’s incredible to be surrounded by that level of passion and experience.”

Expanding Opportunity for Oklahoma Business Owners

Now, as Director of Loan Programs, Ray is focused on continuing and expanding that impact.

“I’m excited to continue helping TEDC support entrepreneurs across the state,” he says. “The funds we manage can be utilized by over 90% of businesses in Oklahoma. That means we can help people start companies they’ve dreamed of, expand operations, purchase equipment or real estate, whatever they need to grow.”

His vision is grounded in accessibility, opportunity, and the belief that the right support can change the trajectory of a business and a life.

A Leader for What’s Next

Ray’s promotion reflects not only his experience but the trust he’s built within the organization and the community.

“Ray brings a deep understanding of both our mission and the people we serve,” said Rose Washington-Jones, CEO of TEDC Creative Capital. “His leadership, integrity, and commitment to helping entrepreneurs succeed make him an invaluable part of our team, and we’re excited for what’s ahead under his direction.”

Continuing the Work

For Ray, the role is less about a title and more about responsibility to the city that shaped him, and to the people working every day to build something of their own.

And that’s exactly where he wants to be.

At TEDC Creative Capital, that work happens every day. As a community-focused lending organization, TEDC provides flexible financing and practical business education to help entrepreneurs across Oklahoma start, grow, and strengthen their businesses. Its mission is rooted in access, opportunity, and trust, and is the work that Ray is proud to carry forward.