YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
Then: District director of operations, Ozarks Regional YMCA
Now: Director of philanthropy, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks Inc.; and mayor, city of Strafford
Always seeking the next the big thing, Ashley French, 48, went from district director of operations for the local YMCA to executive positions at two nonprofit organizations, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks and the American Red Cross western Missouri operations.
She has been the mayor of Strafford for six years and recently started as director of philanthropy for Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks.
She says the main goal of her career was to impact the lives of those in her community as she was driven by her faith.
“My faith shapes me, and it has shaped my career path,” she says. “I’ve been fortunate to serve families and kids in different capacities.”
French will be up for reelection as mayor in April 2025, and she hopes to continue impacting the lives of those in her community.
Best advice to young professionals? I love to pass down my dad’s advice he gave to me: Don’t follow the money; it will always follow you, and everything else will work out.
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