A native of the city she now serves, Ashley Montgomery (she/her/hers) is the Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of Returning Citizens, where her deep-rooted understanding of support systems plays a pivotal role in reshaping the lives of returning citizens. With a career spanning over 15 years in human services and government, Ashley has been a dynamic force in advancing support for those reintegrating into society.

Early in her career, Ashley worked directly with incarcerated individuals, facilitating their transitions by securing housing, connecting them with resources, and facilitating workshops for those nearing their releases. Her subsequent role as a research analyst further enriched her perspective by examining barriers to recidivism, deepening her insights into the challenges faced by returning citizens.

Before assuming her current role, Ashley served as the Director of Regional Operations at the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services. In this capacity, she addressed complex societal challenges with a commitment to innovative solutions. Her strategic vision and hands-on expertise have been crucial in developing and implementing priority initiatives, strategic plans, and enhanced reentry services.

Ashley holds an undergraduate degree in criminal justice and a Master of Arts in Criminology and Justice from St. John’s University. Her dedication to public service and her impactful leadership continue to foster positive change for individuals reintegrating into society.