Wray (Youth Inc)
Overview
Wray Thorn is a significant figure associated with Youth INC, a nonprofit organization based in New York City. He is known for his role as the co-chair of the board of Youth INC, where he has been instrumental in empowering grassroots nonprofits that serve youth. Beyond his contributions to Youth INC, Wray Thorn is the Founder and Chief Executive of Clear Heights Capital, an investment firm dedicated to fostering growth and development in companies. His career spans several decades in private investing, with a strong focus on integrating social impact with financial returns.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Wray Thorn has been actively involved in several significant initiatives and developments at Youth INC and beyond:
- September 2023: Wray Thorn was recognized as a notable nonprofit board leader by Crain’s New York Business, highlighting his efforts in diversifying Youth INC's board and raising substantial funds for the organization.
- He has been instrumental in helping Youth INC raise more than $100 million and in diversifying the board to include greater representation of Black and Indigenous people.
- February 2025: Lauren McCort was appointed as the new Executive Director of Youth INC, following the transformative leadership of Rehana Farrell. Wray Thorn, as co-chair, expressed gratitude for Farrell’s contributions and confidence in McCort’s ability to lead the organization forward.
- Under Farrell’s leadership, the organization expanded its nonprofit partners to over 90 organizations and significantly increased fundraising efforts.
- McCort’s appointment aligns with Youth INC’s strategic vision to strengthen youth development nonprofits across New York City.
- 2025 Developments: Youth INC celebrated its 30th anniversary with a gala that raised $5 million to support its programs. Wray Thorn has continued to play a critical role in these fundraising events, emphasizing the importance of community support.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Wray T. Thorn |
| Born | Not publicly disclosed |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Private Investment Executive, Nonprofit Board Leader |
| Known For | Co-chair of Youth INC, Founder of Clear Heights Capital |
| Education | A.B. from Harvard University |
Early Life and Education
Wray Thorn was educated at Harvard University, where he earned an A.B. degree. His early interest in finance and investment led him to a career in private equity and venture capital. He initially worked in the acquisition finance group at Chemical Bank, acquiring foundational experience that shaped his future endeavors.
Career and Notable Achievements
Wray Thorn's career has been marked by several key accomplishments:
- Founder and CEO of Clear Heights Capital: Thorn founded this private investment firm with a mission to support companies in achieving growth while ensuring a positive social impact.
- Two Sigma Investments: Previously, he served as the Chief Investment Officer and Managing Director, where he architected and led private equity, venture capital, and impact investment arms.
- Private Investment Transactions: Involved in approximately 290 transactions with an aggregate consideration of over $32 billion, demonstrating his significant influence in the investment sector.
- Youth INC: As co-chair, Thorn has been pivotal in strategic planning and fundraising, strengthening the organization’s impact on youth development.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Wray Thorn remains deeply involved with Youth INC, focusing on expanding the nonprofit’s reach and effectiveness. The organization is celebrated for its support of a broad network of youth development nonprofits, impacting over 250,000 young people annually. Thorn’s leadership continues to guide Youth INC’s efforts in fostering sustainable growth and maximizing their impact on youth in New York City.
Youth Inc Sports
Youth INC not only focuses on nonprofit development but also promotes youth sports as a vehicle for personal growth and community engagement. The organization supports various sports programs across its network, encouraging physical activity and teamwork among young people.
Greg Olsen
As a part of Youth INC’s wide-reaching influence, they have engaged sports celebrities like Greg Olsen to promote their initiatives. These partnerships help in raising awareness and funds, ensuring the continuation and expansion of sports and development programs for youth.
Conclusion
Wray Thorn is a pivotal leader in both the investment and nonprofit sectors. His work with Youth INC exemplifies his dedication to creating lasting social impact through strategic fundraising, board diversification, and empowering youth development programs. As Youth INC continues to thrive and expand under his co-chairmanship, Wray Thorn’s influence is expected to leave a lasting legacy on the organization and the broader community. With continued focus on capacity building and strategic partnerships, Youth INC will likely maintain its status as a leader in youth development in New York City and beyond.