Ashley Dobbs – 40 under 40 2021


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.

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