Name: Ashley Dobbs
Age: 40
Occupation: Marketing and Communication Manager
Name of business/workplace: City of Ocala
My grand goal in life: Obviously, to be happy, but winning the lottery wouldn’t hurt either.
When not working, I … I enjoy spending time with friends, discovering new music, watching movies, visiting theme parks, photography and dreaming about the Fall season.
What I like most about Ocala: The Victorian homes downtown. As a child growing up in Ocala, we would come downtown on Saturday mornings and then drive through the historic district. As an adult, I still feel a sense of awe when I drive down those streets.
Pet peeve: When someone goes out of their way to be unkind. Who has that kind of time and energy?
One word that summarizes my philosophy of life: Ethical
Personal superpower: The ability for people to open up to me. No matter where I go, a restaurant, doctor’s office, etc. strangers feel compelled to share their life story with me. I don’t mind, I’ve met very interesting people.
Superhuman power I’d like … to have “Bewitched” powers. A wiggle of the nose and the house would be clean, yard work done, or I could quickly escape awkward situations – you know, typical life stuff.
Favorite cause: Magnolia Art Xchange
Guilty pleasure: Afternoon naps
Historical dinner date: Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She blazed a trail for women and challenged the ideas of gender equality.
People who know me say I am … Empathetic and a great listener.
Biggest professional achievement: In my last position, I was able to secure over a million dollars in earned media which highlighted our community. Working with journalists to showcase the beauty of our city and county was a pivotal moment for me, but one close to my heart because I love telling people about the place I call home.
Favorite part of my profession: The ability to tell people’s stories. Whether I’m telling someone’s personal story, or where we are going as an organization, I really hope that people will take my words to heart. I also really love photography and look for any excuse to go out and capture moments happening within the city.
I indulge too much in … Decorations, especially holiday decorations. I LOVE decorating for every holiday at both my house and my office.
