Becky McCray

Award-winning author Becky McCray doesn't just talk about rural issues, she lives them. Co-founder of SaveYourTown, cattle rancher, she lives in a community of 30 people in northwest Oklahoma.

Her hands-on small-town experience as a retail business owner, city administrator, nonprofit executive, and community volunteer gives her unique insight into what actually works in rural communities. She created the influential Survey of Rural Challenges, published biennially since 2015 and used by agencies, educators, and businesses to better understand and serve rural people. Her previous book, Small Town Rules, won a Small Business Book Award and was named one of the best small business books of 2012 by the National Federation of Independent Business.

She has worked with hundreds of small communities across North America, helping them take action without waiting for permission or perfect conditions. She's presented at Main Street America, the International Economic Development Council, and TEDx, among more than 300 rural and small-town events in the US and Canada.

Her goal is to deliver practical steps you can put into action right away to shape the future of your town or community.