Howard Payne University recently hosted its Community Leadership Lunch and Learn on campus for local business leaders. Attendees enjoyed a meal and heard from guest speaker Tammy Gray, director of facilities for Brownwood ISD, who shared insight on successful project management.

Gray oversees the maintenance of district-wide facilities and manages a $60 million construction program that includes athletic facilities, stadium renovations and campus-wide infrastructure upgrades.

“I’m so appreciative of Tammy Gray for sharing at this year’s lunch and learn event,” said Dr. Cory Hines, HPU president. “She is such a valuable asset to the community and I’m glad we were able to host local business leaders on our campus to learn and benefit from her expertise.”

Gray has over two decades of experience leading complex construction, facility and environmental projects. Her career began with the U.S. Air Force, where she managed multi-million-dollar construction and environmental programs, including serving as project manager for a $1.1 billion reconstruction effort in Iraq. Her military service earned her multiple commendation medals and recognition for excellence in engineering and energy management. Gray later continued as a military civilian, where she served as program manager for a $500 million joint-service medical complex with 13 building structures, one of which was named “Best Design” by the Department of the Army.

In 2022 she oversaw HPU’s $4 million Academy project, delivering it on time and under budget. Gray holds a Master of Science in civil engineering, a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in project management, and a Bachelor of Science in environmental engineering. Gray is also a published author of 13 novels, two of which earned national writing awards.

The Community Leadership Lunch and Learn is made possible through the generosity of the Sumners Foundation.