vcco-board-tara-pray

Administrator/CEO – The Dalles

Ex Officio Board Member

After graduating in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition and Food Management from Oregon State University, Ms. Pray pursued an internship at Oregon Health & Science University and later became a Registered Dietitian. Returning to her home community of the Columbia River Gorge, and a passion for serving Veterans inspired her to begin a career at the Oregon Veterans Home, as the facility Dietitian in 2007.

Two years later, she completed a second Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Management from Bellevue University. With an ongoing desire to expand her knowledge base and continue serving Veterans, she collaborated with OVHTD Administrator and completed an Administrator in Training (AIT) program while working full time as the facility Dietitian. By June of 2011, Ms. Pray achieved her goal of becoming a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator.

In 2014, as part of the facilities ongoing strategic succession planning, Ms. Pray was promoted to Assistant Administrator. Working closely with the current facility Administrator for 6+ years provided hands on experience managing a multitude of different patient scenarios, working in tandem to best honor the Veterans and their spouses. Her role as Assistant Administrator provided many opportunities such as, becoming a Quality Award Examiner for the American Healthcare Association, a super user for Point Click Care electronic medical record, and an AIT preceptor.

Ms. Pray was promoted to Administrator/CEO on January 1, 2021. Her mission is to make every Veteran feel unique, important, and useful.