Ashley Castorena

Economic Development Manager

Ashley Castorena is the Economic Development Manager for the University of Kentucky's Economic Development and Real Estate team, where she leads strategic program management, communications, stakeholder reporting, and community and business partnership development across the team's full portfolio.

She serves on the OneUK Core Team, the University's holistic business engagement program, and oversees the Community Innovation Partnership, working at the intersection of higher education, business, and community to drive meaningful, lasting impact across the Commonwealth.

A Kentucky native, Ashley brings a deep commitment to the state's long-term growth and economic potential, as well as a strong belief in the role higher education plays in building healthy, prosperous individuals and communities.

Ashley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from American University, along with dual graduate degrees from American University's School of Public Affairs: a Master of Public Administration and a Master of Public Policy.