Raymond (Ray) Gonzales is a dynamic and visionary Human Resources executive whose career has spanned more than three decades across a diverse range of industries, predominantly in the energy sector. Known for his strategic insight, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to people-first leadership, Ray has built and transformed HR functions at Fortune 10 corporations, public utilities, startups, and international companies alike. His approach to HR is rooted in the belief that organizational success is achieved when people strategies are aligned with business objectives, and when leadership is cultivated with purpose, intention, and clarity.

Raised with a deep respect for discipline, service, and leadership, Ray began his professional journey in the U.S. Army, where he served as a Personnel Management Specialist in Germany. The military instilled in him a foundational understanding of human capital, structure, and performance—skills that would later become the bedrock of his corporate achievements. After completing his undergraduate studies in Personnel Management from Eastern New Mexico University, Ray went on to earn his MBA from the University of Colorado Denver under the sponsorship of Conoco, a testament to his early recognition as a high-potential leader.

Ray’s corporate ascent began at ConocoPhillips, where over 20 years he held numerous HR roles of increasing responsibility. His time there laid a broad and solid foundation in compensation, HRIS, benefits, employee relations, and HR strategy. His global perspective was sharpened during his expatriate assignment in Dubai, where he led HR for Dubai Petroleum Company. This role expanded his international acumen and deepened his appreciation for cultural nuance in leadership and workforce development. Ray became known for his ability to unite diverse workforces under common corporate visions, building performance cultures that outlasted his tenure.

Following his impactful years at ConocoPhillips, Ray joined Kerr-McGee as Vice President of HR Global Services, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s restructuring efforts, including the spin-off of the chemical division through an IPO. His leadership extended across multiple continents, where he oversaw strategic HR planning, executive compensation, benefits design, and international employee management. Ray’s ability to see beyond transactional HR functions to the long-term strategic needs of the business positioned him as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives and Boards of Directors.

Ray’s reputation as a transformational leader continued to grow with roles as Vice President of Human Resources at Arizona Public Services and Madagascar Oil. At APS, he introduced sweeping changes to executive compensation, talent management, and leadership development, aligning HR with the operational and strategic trajectory of the utility company. At Madagascar Oil, he led HR and administrative services in a high-growth, international environment, guiding the organization through its formative years while implementing HR systems, executive compensation plans, and global workforce strategies.

In 2011, Ray took on the top HR role at Continental Resources, a period that would mark one of the most dynamic chapters of his career. Tasked with supporting the company’s meteoric growth from a $5B to a $20B valuation, he successfully relocated hundreds of employees during a major headquarters transition, redefined the company’s cultural values, and built an HR infrastructure that could support explosive scaling. Under his leadership, Continental implemented a modern HRIS (Workday), redesigned compensation and benefits programs, and established a leadership competency framework that remains a benchmark in the organization.

Ray’s strategic influence continued at Freeport LNG, where he once again led a full HR transformation. In just 90 days, he turned around a struggling HR department, earning accolades from the COO and executive team. He developed and implemented a two-year roadmap that included a long-term incentive program, revamped compensation models, and a robust talent acquisition strategy. His leadership doubled the company’s headcount and brought in high-potential candidates through an innovative cohort onboarding model that increased team cohesion and accelerated learning.

As Principal and Founder of RGHR Consulting, Ray now serves organizations as an interim CHRO, executive coach, and strategic advisor. His consultancy has guided numerous companies—many of them private equity-backed—through complex M&A integrations, organizational redesigns, and leadership development programs. His engagements range from energy startups bidding on shale assets to aviation services firms and electric utilities undergoing digital transformation. Ray’s depth of knowledge and adaptable leadership style make him a sought-after resource for companies navigating growth, change, or crisis.

Beyond his corporate impact, Ray is a committed board leader and advisor. He currently serves on the advisory board for C-Suite Comp and has previously served on the boards of Southwest Human Development, Valle del Sol, Health-e Connection, and the Denver Public School Foundation. His governance experience includes active participation in compensation, ESG, and strategic oversight committees. Ray’s board service reflects his commitment to community, equity, and responsible corporate leadership.

Ray is also a published thought leader and respected public voice in the field of HR. He has been interviewed by SHRM, Workforce Magazine, and the American Oil and Gas Reporter on topics such as energy employment and workforce development. His profile has been featured in Hispanic Executive Magazine, and he has appeared on national platforms including the Sean Hannity Radio Show and Oklahoma Horizon Television Program. Fluent in Spanish and grounded in a global mindset, Ray’s career has taken him to Germany, Dubai, Australia, and South America, enriching his leadership with international perspective.

Character:
Ray embodies integrity and resilience, cultivated through a career spanning military service and executive leadership. His values-driven approach to HR ensures that ethical decision-making and employee advocacy remain at the core of organizational strategy.

Knowledge:
With over 35 years of professional experience, Ray possesses a deep well of expertise across HR disciplines, corporate governance, and strategic leadership. His educational credentials and continuous learning in areas like DEI and executive coaching demonstrate his commitment to intellectual growth.

Strategic:
Ray’s hallmark is his ability to connect people strategies with business objectives. Whether scaling a Fortune 500 company or advising a startup, he crafts HR blueprints that propel long-term organizational performance and resilience.

Communication:
Ray is a persuasive communicator who builds trust with executive teams, boards, and employees alike. His ability to articulate vision, navigate complex changes, and coach leaders fosters alignment and momentum in any corporate environment.