Sandy Ray

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Recommend this Lobbyist

Sandy Ray

( Mississippi,  )

Southern Consulting Associates, Inc.

Introduction

Southern Consulting Associates provides strategic government relations built on trusted relationships, integrity, and individualized client service. Every engagement is tailored to each client's unique objectives, assembling the right expertise, relationships, and advocacy to influence policy, solve complex challenges, and achieve meaningful results across Mississippi's legislative, executive, and regulatory landscape.

Recommendations  Client List  Number of Years as a Lobbyist  Relationships  Biography 
Recommendations

  • "Sandy Ray has always been a solid political resource for me. She's a hard worker and diligent in seeking successful results. Well respected." - Cindy Hyde-Smith, US Senator
  • "A very intelligent, highly motivated, respected, charismatic rain maker. I have called her 'shortstop' since she came to work for me. That nickname is perfect for her because, one, she is short, but really I call her that because there isn't much that gets past her. Sandy will succeed at whatever she sets her mind to. I have no doubt about that. I have seen her decision-making abilities, and she will decide what needs to be done and then go straight ahead to accomplish it." - Mike Chaney, MS Commissioner of Insurance and State Fire Marshal
  • "Collaborating with Sandy Ray and her firm to help the Congress of Country Music project seek and secure state bond funds was truly a game changer. She worked so hard for us. She put her heart into the task and I suspect she would do the same for anybody she chose to work with. I have no doubt that we will be calling upon Sandy Ray for years to come." - Marty Stuart, Multiple Grammy Award winner, American Country Music Singer-Songwriter
  • "I have known Sandy since she first appeared in our state capitol over 20 years ago. She has worked her way up with integrity. She is absolutely one of the most trustworthy lobbyists and public policy professionals in Mississippi. We have all depended on her knowledge and guidance at some point. I am glad to know her and call her friend." - Willie Simmons, Transportation Commissioner (Central District)
  • "I have worked with Sandy for many years in various capacities in state government. She has always been diligent, thorough, and prepared. It is a pleasure to work with her" - Philip Gunn, MS Speaker of the House

    • Clients

    1) Cigna Corporate Services LLC

    2) City of Philadelphia

    3) Gulf States Insurance Company

    4) Healthcare/Pharma

    5) Land Title Association of Mississippi

    6) Marty Stuart's Congress of Country Music

    7) Misc. Econ Development and Bond projects

    8) Misc. Insurance Regulatory

    9) Mississippi Justice Court Judges Association

    10) Mississippi Retail & Grocers Association

    11) NAIFA - MS

    12) Primerica Life, Inc.

    13) Southern Consulting Associates, Inc.

    14) The American Massage Therapy Association

    Number of Years as a Lobbyist

    20+ years

    Relationships

    Former Chief of Staff for the MS Department of Insurance Campaign Manager for Attorney General, Lynn Fitch Finance Director Commissioner of Insurance, Mike Chaney Campaign

    Biography

    Sandy S. Ray is a registered lobbyist and government relations professional with nearly 25 years of experience navigating Mississippi's legislative and regulatory landscape. She is founder and CEO of Southern Consulting Associates, Inc., a firm she established in 2004 to provide strategic advocacy and policy guidance for clients across a wide range of industries. Known for her strong relationships with legislators, state agencies and key stakeholders, Mrs. Ray represents clients on a broad spectrum of legislative and regulatory matters before state government. Her work has included issues such as insurance, economic development, state bond acquisition, agency operations, and other complex governmental maters, as well as policy areas including agriculture, banking, retail, judiciary, and taxation. She is known for her deep understanding of state government and for helping clients align immediate legislative priorities with long-term policy strategy through thoughtful, results-driven advocacy. Mrs. Ray previously served for 12 years as Chief of Staff at the Mississippi Department of Insurance, where she worked closely with policymakers, regulators and industry leaders to advance legislative and regulatory initiatives. A native of Cleveland, Mississippi, she has also held leadership roles in nonprofit and public service organizations and has been recognized among Mississippi's leading government relations professionals, including being named an MS Top 50 (lobbying category) honoree in 2020 and 2022.

    Last Updated: August 05, 2026