Ashley Patterson is the Founder and CEO of The ACE Agency, a leading PR and marketing firm known for delivering integrated, high-impact campaigns for destinations, cultural and lifestyle brands. Since launching the agency in 2009, she has built ACE into a trusted partner for organizations seeking strategic, data-driven communications that deliver measurable impact and long-term brand relevance.

With over two decades of experience, Ashley is recognized for her hands-on, high-touch approach and her ability to foster lasting client partnerships, many of which have spanned more than a decade. Under her leadership, ACE has produced award-winning campaigns that capture audiences and influence behavior. 

Ashley’s path to agency leadership is rooted in a nontraditional background. With early training in arts and entertainment as a ballerina, she developed a strong foundation in discipline, storytelling, and audience connection. Largely self-taught in PR and marketing, she built the agency from the ground up, guided by instinct, experience, and a commitment to excellence.

As a leader, Ashley is known for cultivating a collaborative, forward-thinking team culture, empowering her team to think strategically, push creatively, and exceed expectations. Her evolution from practitioner to business owner remains a defining part of her journey, shaping her focus on building a sustainable, innovative agency that continues to grow alongside its clients.

Ashley has been recognized as one of the “40 Under 40 Most Successful Entrepreneurs and Executives,” a “Woman to Watch,” and the region’s “Best Promoter.”