Hunter Wray was raised in Kansas on a large farm and then he joined the Air Force in 1992 as a Munitions Inspector. During his 12 years of active duty he was deployed to serve in the Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2004, he separated from active duty and began a career in the private yachting industry. Over the last 20 years he has Captained private yachts up to 180 feet all over the world logging an excess of 100,000 miles at sea. He is a licensed Captain, Engineer, and Marine Surveyor of Yachts.

Hunter joined the Maritime Institute as the Manager of the Small Vessel Training in 2023. He is currently responsible for managing and maintaining our training ship, the M/V Paul Johansen, a 75 foot steel hull expedition yacht. He also manages our ABYC Marine Service Technician and IYT Courses.

Hunter earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He is also a licensed FAA Pilot for fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. He often jokes that he got lost on the way to the airport and ended up at the marina. He is happily married Jody and has three adult children Kendra, Taylor and Faith with their youngest Clay still at home and in elementary school. In his free time Hunter enjoys camping, riding dirt bikes, traveling and serving his community.