Rachel Alex Crist serves as the Director of Communications for The Ray. An interdisciplinary artist, urbanist, and strategist, she has a 15-year career in marketing and communications.

Before joining, she was Head of Advertising and a Strategic Digital Director for Iron Light, a marketing agency empowering purpose-driven brands to change the world. Rachel also has a decade of public sector experience at the City of Austin as a Public Information Officer, Marketing Representative, and Education Coordinator. Her academic research and expertise is in climate change, housing policy, international affairs, social justice, and urban planning. As a Director, she manages advertising, community engagement, public relations, and strategic planning.

Rachel received her MA from The New School in International Affairs, concentrating in Cities and Social Justice and Global Urban Futures. Additionally, she holds a BFA from Florida State University in New Media Design and Communications.