Becky McCray

Becky McCray has helped hundreds of rural communities discover they already have everything they need to thrive. A lifelong rural entrepreneur and cattle rancher, she's the co-founder of SaveYour.Town and creator of the influential Survey of RuralChallenges, used by businesses, organizations and educators since 2015. 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.

Her hands-on experience as a retail business owner, city administrator, nonprofit executive and community volunteer-all in towns of 5,000 or fewer-gives her unique insight into what actually works in small places. She's collaborated with Harvard Kennedy School, Oklahoma State University's Rural Renewal Initiative, and Main Street America, and has presented at more than 300 events across the US, Canada, UK and Australia.

Becky makes her home in Hopeton, Oklahoma, a community of 30 people. Her goal is to deliver practical steps you can put into action right away to shape the future of your town.

Photo by Meg Hatch Photography, Maine.