The RW Jones Agency is excited to announce that Ashley Northington has joined the firm as Vice President and Managing Director. Northington will be tasked with helping to manage agency relationships with current and new partner institutions.
“I am incredibly excited and honored to be joining the RW Jones Agency,” Northington said. “I firmly believe that an education gives people the tools to change their world. I am delighted to help lead a storied agency and collaborate with clients on meaningful work.”
Over the past decade, Northington has led DENOR Brands + Public Relations in Nashville, Tenn. Her diverse client base includes nonprofit organizations, government entities, K-12 school districts, and colleges and universities. She’s developed a speciality in serving the needs of HBCU and other minority serving institutions. In the campaigns she has developed with clients, one of the hallmarks is fostering positive change and inspiring clients and others to take action.
“When you find someone with the passion that Ashley exhibits about education, we knew we found a senior leader that shares our same ethos,” said Sean Rossall, chief executive officer at RW Jones Agency. “We are excited that she has decided to join the firm and believe she’ll make valuable contributions to our agency from day one.”
Before Northington started DENOR Brands, she worked in communications roles at the Louisiana Department of Education. Later, she helped to develop an acclaimed report on behalf of the Bureau of Government Research titled “The Accidental Steward: The Orleans Parish School Board as a Resource Manager in the Reform Era.” In this role, Northington interviewed public servants, community leaders, and policymakers to help organizations instill change and take action.
Northington also comes to RW Jones well-versed as a reporter. She’s had stints at The Tennessean and Shreveport Times covering general assignment news and education. While at the Times, she regularly contributed copy to USA TODAY as its Louisiana Correspondent.
When Northington isn’t busy serving her clients, she is busy serving her community. She currently chairs the Board of Directors at Thistle Farms, a social enterprise that helps women survivors recover and heal from trafficking, prostitution and addiction. She also holds chair, vice chair, and board positions at the Minority Business Advisory Council, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Teach for America Nashville-Chattanooga.
“What makes me so excited about having Ashley as a colleague is the absolute passion and joy she brings to serving others,” said Scott Willyerd, president of the RW Jones Agency. “Her commitment to serving the community is unwavering, and I’m excited for clients and colleagues to have the opportunity to work alongside her.”
Northington holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Tennessee State University and a master’s degree in Public Administration, with concentrations in Public Policy and Higher Education, from Louisiana State University. She will remain based in Nashville. Please join us in welcoming her to the RWJ family.