Haslam Announces Departure of Katie Ashley for Bradley

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced that Director of Legislation Katie Ashley will leave the administration on November 9 to join Bradley Arant Boult Cummings to serve as senior advisor for government affairs and economic development.

As part of the governor’s legislative team for the past eight years, Ashley played an essential role in budget and policy development that led to Tennessee being recognized as a national leader in education, economic development, efficient and effective government, and fiscal strength.

After working on his 2010 gubernatorial campaign, Ashley started in the governor’s office as a legislative liaison, rising through the ranks to ultimately become the governor’s chief legislative advisor in 2017.

She has been particularly instrumental in advancing the governor’s K-12 and higher education initiatives, helping to launch the Drive to 55 goal to increase the number of Tennesseans with a postsecondary degree or certificate to 55 percent by 2025, and to pass the landmark legislation that led to the Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect scholarships.

“There is no doubt Katie has made a difference in the lives of thousands of Tennesseans, helping us implement policies and legislation that have made a positive impact on families and young people from elementary school classrooms to college campuses,” Haslam said. “Katie has been a valuable member of my team going back to my campaign for governor, and while I will personally miss her advice and counsel, I know in her new career she will continue to make Tennessee an even better place to live, work and raise a family. I wish her all the best.”

Ashley will be based in Bradley’s Nashville office where she will be a member of the firm’s governmental affairs and economic development practice groups.

“Having the opportunity to work in the governor’s office of your home state is an incredible experience, and when that governor happens to be Bill Haslam, it really doesn’t get any better than that. I will miss working with the governor and our staff to help make Tennessee the best state it can be.” Ashley said.

Previously, Ashley served as the scheduler for the Haslam gubernatorial campaign and as constituent relations manager for Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.). She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Martin.

Ashley lives in Franklin with her husband, Luke, and daughter Ryall.