Ray Laughter serves as Vice Chancellor for External Affairs for the Lone Star College System, one of the largest and most progressive community colleges in the nation with over 90,000 students on six comprehensive campuses. He is responsible for marketing and communications, government affairs, grants and resource development, the Lone Star College Foundation, and community and economic development partnerships and programs. These economic development programs are unique for a higher education institution and include the coordination of the regional North Houston Economic Development Alliance, the Center for Business and Economic Development, the regional Small Business Development Center, the Community Development Institute.

He has served on numerous boards and committees related to economic and community development

International Economic Development Council Higher Education Advisory Committee and 2012 Conference Host Committee Texas Economic Development Council Board of Directors Southern Economic Development Council – Chair Community Development/Leadership Committee Community Development Council Board of Trustees Gulf Coast Workforce Development Board Greater Houston Partnership Economic Development Committee The Woodlands Economic Development Partnership Board of Directors Magnolia Economic Development Partnership Board of Directors

Prior to joining the college he served as Chief Administrative Officer for an international helicopter manufacturer and President of the Business Services Assistance Corporation.