By Aaron Schulze

Futuristic Industries executive director inspired by helping others

Dec 6, 2018 | 4:07 PM

Ray Whitton has only been the executive director of Futuristic Industries in Humboldt since Dec. 3 but has been welcomed by the staff with open arms.

He said it’s a relief, as working for the organization focused on enhancing abilities and creating new skills for people who are intellectually differently-abled was Whitton’s desire for some time.

Before he worked most of his adult life in sales, Whitton attended post-secondary in Saskatoon, hoping to get into the education sector.

“My primary focus was special needs,” Whitton told northeastNOW. “I always hoped there would be an opportunity at some point for aspects of my educational training to come back into play in my professional career.

“While I’m executive director and I don’t necessarily do a lot of hands on with the guys here, it’s certainly has come full circle in where I hoped to be in heart-happy work.”

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What specifically sparked Whitton’s interest in Futuristic Industries transpired when he performed country music live more frequently, as he mentioned multiple times where staff members would come out to support the Humboldt music scene.

Whitton’s decision was based on being a bigger part of Humboldt.

“My wife and I have been here for seven or eight years now,” Whitton said. “While I’ve volunteered with different things in town, I really wanted something that was a staple and meaningful to me in terms of heart-happy work, and of course the opportunity to give back to the community that’s served me so well.”

Whitton said he has big boots to fill stepping in as the new executive director of Futuristic Industries, replacing Megan Ward. Whitton called Ward the heart and soul of Futuristic Industries, and instead of making drastic changed, he hopes to build on what she established.

“What I’d like to focus on is getting comfortable in the position,” Whitton said. “I know I’ve got some education coming up, whether it be taking classes or courses, that will benefit the agency in addition to my professional development.

“As we move forward I’ll have a better idea of where I’d like to be.”

aaron.schulze@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @SchulzePANow