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The Thurston Economic Development Council has named Ashley Whitley as its new director of the Center for Business & Innovation (CB&I).
Whitley was previously the program manager for the Washington Center for Women in Business (WCWB), where she helped entrepreneurs access the tools, resources, training, and connections needed to start and grow successful businesses.
Through her leadership, WCWB expanded its impact across Washington State, empowering business owners and strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems throughout the region,” the Thurston Economic Development Council said in a news release.
As Whitley steps into this new role, she will help lead the continued evolution and expansion of CB&I, according to a news release.
CB&I has grown into a dynamic hub supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, manufacturers, government contractors, innovators, and scaling companies across Washington state, the Economic Development Council stated.
“Under Ashley's leadership, the Center will continue to strengthen its role as a catalyst for economic opportunity, business growth, workforce development, and innovation,” the Economic Development Council said in a news release.
In her new position, Whitley will oversee a broad portfolio of programs and initiatives, including the Washington Center for Women in Business, ScaleUp business acceleration programs, the Lacey MakerSpace, and a wide range of technical assistance, advising, training, and business resource programs.
She will guide strategic planning, program development, partnership cultivation, grant administration, fundraising efforts, and organizational growth while leading a talented team dedicated to serving Washington's business community.
Whitley will work closely with federal, state, local, educational, tribal, and private-sector partners to expand access to entrepreneurial education, innovation resources, government contracting opportunities, workforce development initiatives, and capital readiness programs.
Her work will focus on creating pathways for entrepreneurs and business owners to launch, grow, scale, and sustain successful enterprises while strengthening the economic vitality of communities throughout the state.
The CB&I maintains and operates one of the state’s deepest entrepreneurial ecosystems and is entering an exciting new chapter — one that reflects the increasing demand for business support services, innovation resources, workforce solutions, and entrepreneurial development, the Economic Development Council said in a news release.
“Ashley's proven leadership, collaborative approach, and passion for helping businesses succeed make her uniquely qualified to guide that growth and expand the Center's impact for years to come,” the Economic Development Council said in a news release.
