Rev. Sandra Trice Gray

Chaplain

Rev. Sandra Trice Gray is Chaplain and an ordained Interdenominational Minister with Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas, as well as a spiritual director, and spiritual development resource. Rev. Gray majored in “Spirituality” at St. Mary’s Seminary and University’s Ecumenical Institute of Theology, which prepared her for a ministry focused on pastoral and spiritual care; spiritual direction and growth; as well as facilitating the spiritual formation of others.

In her role as Chaplain, she serves the spiritual and emotional needs of clients, staff members, and volunteers. She also performs wedding or funeral ceremonies, administers Communion, delivers spiritual messages, offers prayer at public meetings, and provides regular counseling. Rev. Gray also meets the need of the moment, usually through a ministry of presence, listening and prayer.

At VOACC, Rev. Gray established the Spiritual Lay Leaders to support our Ministry of Service. She also created the Ministry Team to assist with fulfilling VOACC’s Spiritual Development Monthly Calendar opportunities, including: Communion Worship Services; Ministers and Executive Leadership Team’s Conference Call Prayer Time; Meditation Moments; Reflection Time; Inspirational Moments for Program Staff Meetings; Bible Studies and Prayer Meetings at program sites and in the homes of clients. In cooperation with the Ministry Team, Rev. Gray established a Prayer Line and Spiritual Pantries for programs in our region. Additionally, she offers Spiritual Direction for members of the VOACC Community.

Rev. Gray is the recipient of the National Award for Minister of the Year from Volunteers of America for the growth and quality of the Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas Ministry.

Other Facts About Me

Rev. Gray is the Spiritual Leader of the Center of Light and Love, a ministry focused on helping leaders and others strengthen their relationship with God; engage in spiritual development; minimize stress; and serve in a manner that uplifts humanity. She is also an ordained Deacon and Chairperson of Columbia Baptist Fellowship Deacons.

Rev. Gray is an internationally recognized leadership consultant who pioneered coalition building and partnerships across government, business, and nonprofit sectors. She was also vice president of Leadership – Independent Sector; co-chair of the Alliance for National Renewal and Sustainable Communities; and was instrumental in establishing and serving as the first director – CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation.

Rev. Gray served the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services as well as national organizations and special commissions at the Executive Director, Commissioner, Policy Advisor and Special Assistant to the Secretary levels. This followed an extensive career as an educator.

She has an extensive career as an Educator and Administrator on the State and Local Levels. Rev. Gray was also the first Black person to teach at a white school in the desegregated public-school system of Little Rock, Arkansas.

Rev. Gray is a contralto and sings with church and classical community choirs; including the Columbia Pro Cantare.

Rev. Gray is the recipient of numerous honors and recognitions. She was chosen as a member of a delegation of American women leaders to the Soviet Union, sponsored by the Rockefeller Foundation; as one of America’s Top 100 Black Business and Professional Women; a HEW Fellow and served as a member of the President of the United States’ Committee on Education Partnerships. Rev. Gray is a member of the American Society of Association Executives, The Links, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, NAACP, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, and Spiritual Directors International.

Rev. Gray is married to Dr. C. Vernon Gray, her “Renaissance Man”. Like Michael Angelo and Leonardo da Vinci, he has an avid curiosity and a rebirth. He was the first Black elected Countywide to the County Council in Howard County and served 20 years; served as President of the Maryland Association of Counties and as President of the National Association of Counties; and is a member of the Boule.

Rev. Gray has two children (Angela and Michael); a son-in-law (Lenny); and grandson (William Peter Parham, III).