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 is committed to economic development and job growth for Paducah and McCracken County. He believes that growth will be enhanced greatly through collaboration with the surrounding counties that make up our region. He is dedicated to help lead the vigorous recruitment of new businesses, including the reindustrialization of the Paducah Department of Energy site, and support small business growth and the enablement of entrepreneurs.
In addition to growing our economy, Mayor Bray drives transparency in the workings of city government while utilizing city financial resources wisely and diligently. In addition, he is committed to redeveloping Paducah neighborhoods and leading Paducah to become a more diverse and inclusive populace. He believes strongly this will enrich the cultural opportunities for Paducah citizens as well as 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 and more than 40 years of experience leading and working with people of all walks of life. Mayor Bray 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 Ohio State University.
He had a long career in pharmaceutical distribution where he spent 42 years with the same company, Amerisource Bergen (now Cencora), in increasingly responsible roles. Since 2016, he has served as Vice President of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Wholesalers (IFPW) and has spent considerable time traveling the globe representing the pharmaceutical distribution industry 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 program focused on the developing world 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), and the National Quilt Museum (NQM). Mayor Bray has been appointed to the Kentucky Nuclear Economic Development Authority (NEDA) by Governor Andy Beshear.
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
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.
