Current Position and Past Experience
Ashley Wilhelm is currently Senior Director of Initiatives at CAEL. She has a wealth of experience and an extensive network in workforce and economic development, and postsecondary education. She joined CAEL in 2022 as a Director of Initiatives, where she manages CAEL’s workforce & economic development projects focused on data analysis, targeted industry pathway development, and national/regional stakeholder engagement that maximizes client impact for adult learners. Wilhelm continuously collaborates with regional leadership to assist with project management of workforce initiatives.

Before CAEL, Wilhelm was a Program Manager at the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, serving as Director of the Governor's Workforce Development Board (Workforce Arizona Council), driving the state's economic development and workforce initiatives in partnership with national, state, and local associations, government officials, and businesses. Prior to that, she worked for the Maricopa County Workforce Development Board for over two years as a Project Manager, leading high-profile initiatives, tracking program and partner success, and managing stakeholder engagement and communications. Wilhelm is also a former Program Manager with the Union County Board of Commissioners, supporting projects and engagement across state and local government agencies focused on community development, grant administration, and public policy efforts.

Education, Honors and Achievements
Wilhelm holds a Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Oregon University and Master’s of Public Administration from Grand Canyon University.

Personal Details and Community Involvement
Wilhelm serves as the Vice President of the Board of the Sara K Foundation which is a non-profit organization dedicated to the mission to spread love, serve the impoverished and disenfranchised, and do good works through charitable contributions as influenced by the legacy of Sara K. The Sara K Foundation serve their community through “SKF Acts of Kindness” and supports various causes such as homelessness, addiction & recovery, and awareness surrounding issues in mental health & grief.

Wilhelm was a fellow in the Greater Phoenix Workforce Leadership Academy Fellowship Program, a partnership between the Center for the Future of Arizona and the Aspen Institute, in 2021.

When not serving her community Wilhelm loves to spend time with her husband supporting their two children in their sports and other extra curricular activities.

Connect
You can connect with Ashley on LinkedIn