Get to know Rayna…….

FAMILY

 Born in 1954 in Newton, New Jersey, Rayna’s family moved to Arizona in 1956 and settled in Globe, AZ  The middle of seven children Rayna has two brothers and four sisters.  Although both parents were Democrats when they lived in Arizona, they became “over the edge” Regan Republicans when they moved to California in the late 70’s.  To Rayna’s credit, she has been a registered Republican since the age of 18.  At the age of 18 she was the first group of 18 year olds to vote. 

 Rayna went to school, married and raised two wonderful sons in Globe.  Rural America is a great place to raise kids.  Her son Brett Barela works for Empire Machinery and continues to live in Globe with his wife Jenny and two children Skyler and Emily.  Her son Brian Barela is a graphic artist in Mesa, is married to Beth and is the father to three wonderful little girls. 

 Rayna and husband Merle have been together for ten years living in Apache Junction and Gold Canyon since 1998.  The extended family expands by four children and five grandchildren.  Rayna and Merle currently reside in Gold Canyon.

 PROFESSIONAL

            Rayna is an organization management professional specializing in non-profits.  With over thirty years of experience with a focus in economic development.  A graduate of the U. S. Institute of Organization Management, she received a certificate in non-profit management from the University of Wisconsin, and is a graduate of Project CENTRL Leadership Institute, University of Arizona, Rayna is a competent, highly motivated and a highly ethical professional.

            Rayna currently serves as the President and CEO of the Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce. She also serves as Contract Administrator for four additional economic development agencies serving Apache Junction and Pinal County.

 COMMITMENT TO SELF

            Rayna has spent all of her adult life being involved in family, church, community and politics.  A practicing Lutheran, her personal ethics, integrity and honesty come from her strong spiritual belief. But her strong belief in giving back to community has been the impetus for years of volunteer service using leadership by example as her personal mantra. 

 POLITICS

            Political activism has also been a significant part of Rayna’s adult life.  She and husband Merle had a personal friendship with the late Congressman, Eldon Rudd and worked on Jon Kyl and John McCain’s first congressional campaigns.  She was a precinct committee person in Gila County and now serves in that capacity in Pinal County...  Rayna spent several years as a district rep with the Gila Co. Republican Women and formed the Gila County Teenage Republicans.(TARs)  Although having taken a hiatus from politics since moving to Pinal County, “the time is right” to get involved again