W. Conrad McCray: Dedicated to family, profession, church and community

W. Conrad McCary

By Dorothy Inman-Johnson
Special to the Outlook

A native of Tallahassee, Conrad McCray is the son of William and Debra McCray. He attended the Florida State University K-12 School (Florida High) and was both an excellent student and a standout member of the football team. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Florida A & M University in 2008, graduating magna cum laude; and his Master of Science degree in  Applied Social Science and Criminal Justice from FAMU in 2010, graduating summa cum laude. While completing his graduate studies, he received the Delores Auzenne Fellowship and a State University System scholarship while consistently on the Dean’s List throughout his college years. He was a member of the Phi Sigma Theta National Honor Society and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.

 
At age 19, Conrad began his career with the Florida Department of Corrections as a correctional officer. It did not take long for the department to recognize what a talented young man he was. In short order, he was promoted to the position of Correctional Probation Officer where he supervised a specialized caseload of community control offenders and adult sexual offenders. Currently, he is the Superintendent of the Leon Regional Juvenile Detention Center with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. At age 32, he is the youngest superintendent of the 21 detention centers in Florida. He is passionate about his work with the at-risk youth and families he serves, investing a great deal of time, care, and concern in helping them get their lives on track. He demonstrates the same commitment and support for the 60 employees under his supervision. In recognition of his outstanding efforts, he received the Assistant Secretary Award from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.

 
In spite of his very demanding job responsibilities, he generously gives of his time and talent as a volunteer serving both the community and his church. Conrad serves on the Ghazvini Learning Center Advisory Board and as a mentor for the Big Bend Pop Warner Cheerleading Program. At Bethel AME Church, not content to just be a member, he served on the Board of Trustees, serves on the transportation ministry every third Sunday, and as a cook for the church’s first Sunday Breakfasts.
He is, also, the proud father of two daughters_ Azia Nicole and Irihanna April McCray.

 
It is truly inspiring to see a young man demonstrating such dedication to his family, his profession, his church, and community. The Capital Outlook, therefore, is happy to recognize W. Conrad McCray as this week’s Person of the Week.

 
Please send recommendations for Person of the Week to dotinman-johnson@hotmail.com.