Experience:

Ray was born into the civil construction industry. His parents founded K.R. Swerdfeger Construction in 1968, specializing in utility installation, highway, site work, and heavy industrial applications. In July 2021, K.R. Swerdfeger was acquired by Artera Services, with Ray transitioning to the role of Vice President of Mountain Region Construction. Ray has held virtually every position in the industry, serving as a pipe layer, heavy equipment operator, foreman, and project manager. Ray was named president of K.R. Swerdfeger in 2006. His vast knowledge of open-cut and trenchless rehabilitation methods of aging infrastructure has proven to be a valuable resource to Miller Pipeline. In 2025, he was promoted to Senior Regional Vice President.

Education:

Ray graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Colorado State University in 1994.

Industry / Community Involvement: 

Ray is a prominent figure in several industry-specific organizations and many community programs around Pueblo, Colorado. From 2004-2013, Ray sat on the board of the Colorado Contractors Association and was the board president in 2012. Since 2002, Ray has done work with the Pueblo Association of Home Builders and the Pueblo General Contractors Association. Ray has played an active role in Damage Prevention, including revisions to the Colorado 811 statute. Since the inception of the Colorado Underground Damage Prevention Safety Commission in 2018, he has served as a Commissioner. Ray has been involved with the Distribution Contractors Associations, serving on the board of directors for years and as the President in 2023.