Ashley Wright, the director of the Paducah/McCracken County United Way is leaving to be West Kentucky Community and Technical College's Vice President of Institutional Advancement.
Wright has been with the United Way since 2008. WKCTC President Barbara Veazey said Wright will guide the college in establishing goals and identifying fundraising priorities.
“The position provides the highest level of stewardship in the oversight of investments and gifts through the Paducah Junior College Foundation,” said Veazey. “Ashley Wright brings a proven record of successful team building, a collaborative leadership style, and the communication skills to enhance the strong partnerships the college has been recognized for at the national level.“
Wright will also serve as executive director of the Paducah Junior College Foundation succeeding Kay Travis who retires at the end of September. PJC Foundation Chairman John Williams said Wright will be a perfect fit for the college.
“I think there are hundreds of people who do not realize what we have at WKCTC; that we have more than 7,000 students and that we have 350 employees,” said Williams. “Not only is the college a provider of excellent education, but people also need to understand that WKCTC is a viable industry in this area. We have a story to tell and I think we need someone of Ashley’s caliber to get out there and to tell it, and help us grow.”
Wright graduated from Berea College and received a master of social work degree from Washington University specializing in non-profit management.
At United Way, Wright was responsible for coordinating a community-wide annual fundraising campaign in excess of $1 million. She has been program director for Caring for Kids, Inc., in St. Louis, Mo., and associate director and director of client services at the Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center in Paducah.
Wright also worked as the coordinator of the Impact Poverty Task Force in Paducah for two years and is a United Way Reading PALS volunteer and a Rotary Club of Paducah member.
Wright starts work at the college September 9th.
