George Parker Bray was first elected Paducah’s 40th Mayor in November 2020 and was reelected to his second term in November 2024. Mayor Bray has been committed to economic development and job growth for Paducah and McCracken County and believes that growth will be enhanced greatly through collaboration with the surrounding counties that make up our region. He has been dedicated to lead the vigorous recruitment of new businesses, including the reindustrialization of the Paducah Department of Energy site, while supporting small business growth and entrepreneurs.
In addition to working to grow our economy, Mayor Bray has driven transparency in the workings of city government while utilizing city financial resources wisely and diligently. He is committed to redeveloping Paducah neighborhoods and has supported Paducah as diverse and inclusive populace. He believes strongly this will enrich the cultural opportunities for Paducah citizens and make the overall community more attractive to those companies and individuals considering relocation.
Mayor Bray is an experienced businessman with undergraduate and graduate degrees in business with extensive experience in leading and working with people. He grew up in Paducah and is the oldest of nine children. After graduating from St. Mary High School, he earned a degree in Marketing and Business Management from the Indiana University Kelly School of Business and later earned an MBA from the Ohio State University Fisher College of Business.
After a long career in pharmaceutical distribution with Amerisource Bergen (now Cencora), he joined the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Wholesalers (IFPW) and has traveled the globe representing pharmaceutical distribution internationally, both within the global health arena and in the engagement with IFPW member companies all over the world. He has led and facilitated a groundbreaking leadership development program focused on emerging markets both in Asia and Africa.
Mayor Bray is married to Angela West Bray, and between them they have eight children and three grandchildren. He serves on numerous boards and committees including Greater Paducah Economic Development Board (GPED), the Industrial Development Authority (IDA), the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the National Quilt Museum (NQM), and the statewide Kentucky Nuclear Economic Development Authority (NEDA).
Read Mayor Bray's Message about his first 100 days in office (posted April 12, 2021).
Contact
Email Mayor George P. Bray
Mayor's Office: 270-444-8504
Invitation to Serve on Citizen Boards and Commissions
Paducah has several boards and commissions that provide guidance on a variety of topics. To be considered as a board or commission appointee, review the Boards and Commissions overview document and submit an application form. Your willingness to serve Paducah is appreciated.
Inauguration Ceremony - December 30, 2024
Note: Commissioner Robert Buz Smith was unable to attend the ceremony due to illness and was sworn in at a separate event. Thank you to Commissioner Dujuan Thomas and Sir Duke of MBMG The Studio for providing video of the inauguration ceremony.
Inauguration Ceremony - December 20, 2020
The official inauguration ceremony for the Paducah Board of Commissioners was held December 28, 2020, at City Hall. Attorney Mark Bryant officiated Mayor Bray's oath of office.
