Harrison Gray, a Waco native, entrepreneur, and passionate community advocate brings a unique blend of financial expertise and homebuilding experience to NeighborWorks Waco’s mission of expanding affordable housing in Central Texas.
Born and raised in Waco, Harrison graduated from Robinson High School and earned his degree from Baylor University in 2018. With deep roots in the community and a family legacy of entrepreneurship, including his great-grandfather’s welding business, his grandfather’s work in home development, and his father’s safe manufacturing company, Harrison was raised with an appreciation for hard work and innovation. Even though he lost his father at a young age, he still carried forward that entrepreneurial spirit, determined to make his own mark while giving back to the city he loves.
Harrison’s professional journey began in banking, where he worked his way up from teller to Financial Analyst at Texas First State Bank, which is now Cadence Bank. It was during this time that he first encountered NeighborWorks Waco, helping set up client accounts and gaining insight into the organization’s hands-on, supportive approach to homeownership. That early experience left a lasting impression.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Harrison and his wife decided it was time to pursue their own business. With the guidance and encouragement of his father-in-law, a home developer, they launched Gray & Co Construction in 2021 and sold their first homes the following year. Their current project focuses on building homes in Lacy Lakeview, specifically aimed at serving underserved families in the area. Giving back to the community is at the heart of their work. “We want to be intentional about giving back,” Harrison says. “Waco has given so much to us, and we want to do the same in return.”
As a NeighborWorks Waco board member, Harrison brings a rare perspective from both the lending and construction sides of the homeownership journey. He values the organization’s focus on budgeting, credit education, and long-term financial stability for homeowners. “NeighborWorks does an amazing job walking people through the process. They do not just throw you into homeownership, they prepare you for success.”
Looking ahead, Harrison’s primary goal is to support President and CEO Delisa Burnell-Smith in continuing to lead the organization forward. “Delisa is the right person for this role, and I am here to help however I can,” he shares. He recognizes the strong foundation laid by former President Roy Nash and is committed to helping the organization maintain its reputation for fiscal responsibility, thoughtful leadership, and community impact.
With a housing shortage facing the Waco area, Harrison hopes to help NeighborWorks Waco grow its capacity to build more homes and put more families on the path to ownership. “It makes me proud to be part of an organization that manages its resources so well and keeps people at the center of its mission.”
NeighborWorks Waco is honored to have Harrison Gray on our board; his leadership, vision, and commitment to community are helping shape a brighter future for Waco, one home at a time.
