The Mountain Education Foundation (MEF) has long played a powerful role in shaping the student experience in Signal Mountain’s public schools. Now, as the organization enters its next chapter, MEF is welcoming new leadership.
Ashley Hurst has been named Executive Director of the Mountain Education Foundation bringing with her more than two decades of leadership experience in marketing, communications and brand-building, along with a deep personal connection to the Signal Mountain school community.
Founded in 1991, the Mountain Education Foundation was created to help ensure Signal Mountain’s public schools could continue providing exceptional opportunities for students despite the evolving challenges of public education funding. Over the decades, MEF has grown into one of the region’s most impactful education foundations - strengthening classrooms, supporting educators, and expanding opportunities that enrich the educational experience for students across all Signal Mountain schools.
“Serving on the MEF Board gave me a front-row seat to the impact this organization has on our schools, as well as the many exciting opportunities we have to go well beyond where we are today,” said Hurst. “MEF was founded 35 years ago and has flourished through decades of visionary leadership and remarkable generosity. I’m honored to step into a role that helps support the students, teachers, and families of Signal schools while ensuring the entire mountain community continues to thrive.”
Hurst brings extensive global marketing and communications experience to the position. During her career, she has worked with leading agencies including Ogilvy and Golin and most recently served as managing director at Day One, a creative communications firm known for its work with some of the world’s leading consumer brands. She has also held in-house roles at Discovery Channel and Coach, Inc., building a career that blends strategic thinking, innovation, and leadership.
With a passion for creative storytelling, Hurst has led new business initiatives, built and managed global teams, developed strategic partnerships, and created award-winning campaigns that connect brands with audiences around the world. While much of her professional work has been at an international scale, she says the leadership values that guide her - strategic planning, strong relationships, and accountability - translate directly to the work MEF does at the local level.
As executive director, Hurst will work closely with MEF’s board of directors, school leadership, educators, donors, and community partners to support programs and initiatives that enrich the educational experience for students across Signal Mountain’s public schools.
She believes academics are the foundation of a strong education, but many of the experiences that shape students happen both inside and outside the classroom.
“A world-class education for the whole child means creating opportunities that help students grow not only academically, but personally,” she said. “Programs in the arts, athletics, leadership, and community engagement all play a critical role in developing well-rounded young adults who are prepared to thrive in the world.”
MEF’s board of directors expressed enthusiasm about Hurst’s appointment, noting both her familiarity with the organization and her deep personal commitment to the schools it supports.
“Ashley brings a unique combination of strategic leadership and genuine commitment to our schools,” said Catherine Fore, chair of the MEF board of directors. “She understands what makes Signal Mountain special and shares the community’s commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for every student. We’re excited about the future of MEF under her leadership.”
Hurst’s personal connection to education and the Chattanooga area runs deep. The daughter of Karan and Andy Stockett, she grew up on Lookout Mountain and graduated from Baylor School before attending the University of Georgia. After college, she spent years living and working in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and New York City, gaining experience in fast-paced communications and marketing environments.
In 2016, Hurst and her husband, Zach, returned to Chattanooga with their oldest son, Jackson. The family ultimately made their way to Signal Mountain in 2020 as a family of five after welcoming two more children, Beckham and Hannah.
For Hurst, raising her children in the community where she now works has made the mission of MEF deeply personal.
“I loved everything about my education experience growing up,” Hurst said. “I took advantage of every opportunity and left nothing on the table, and it prepared me for so many incredible experiences. If I could do it all again, I would. Now, after many years away and finding myself in this special community with everything Signal Mountain offers, I know I can give my own children the same kind of foundation - supported by a community that truly invests in its schools.”
As MEF enters its next chapter, the foundation remains focused on strengthening partnerships, supporting educators, and investing in students at every stage of their educational journey. With Hurst at the helm, MEF aims to continue serving as a steady, community-driven force behind Signal Mountain’s public schools and the students they serve.
For more on MEF, including upcoming events and ways to support, visit www.meftoday.org.
Ashley Hurst has been named Executive Director of the Mountain Education Foundation bringing with her more than two decades of leadership experience in marketing, communications and brand-building, along with a deep personal connection to the Signal Mountain school community.
Founded in 1991, the Mountain Education Foundation was created to help ensure Signal Mountain’s public schools could continue providing exceptional opportunities for students despite the evolving challenges of public education funding. Over the decades, MEF has grown into one of the region’s most impactful education foundations - strengthening classrooms, supporting educators, and expanding opportunities that enrich the educational experience for students across all Signal Mountain schools.
“Serving on the MEF Board gave me a front-row seat to the impact this organization has on our schools, as well as the many exciting opportunities we have to go well beyond where we are today,” said Hurst. “MEF was founded 35 years ago and has flourished through decades of visionary leadership and remarkable generosity. I’m honored to step into a role that helps support the students, teachers, and families of Signal schools while ensuring the entire mountain community continues to thrive.”
Hurst brings extensive global marketing and communications experience to the position. During her career, she has worked with leading agencies including Ogilvy and Golin and most recently served as managing director at Day One, a creative communications firm known for its work with some of the world’s leading consumer brands. She has also held in-house roles at Discovery Channel and Coach, Inc., building a career that blends strategic thinking, innovation, and leadership.
With a passion for creative storytelling, Hurst has led new business initiatives, built and managed global teams, developed strategic partnerships, and created award-winning campaigns that connect brands with audiences around the world. While much of her professional work has been at an international scale, she says the leadership values that guide her - strategic planning, strong relationships, and accountability - translate directly to the work MEF does at the local level.
As executive director, Hurst will work closely with MEF’s board of directors, school leadership, educators, donors, and community partners to support programs and initiatives that enrich the educational experience for students across Signal Mountain’s public schools.
She believes academics are the foundation of a strong education, but many of the experiences that shape students happen both inside and outside the classroom.
“A world-class education for the whole child means creating opportunities that help students grow not only academically, but personally,” she said. “Programs in the arts, athletics, leadership, and community engagement all play a critical role in developing well-rounded young adults who are prepared to thrive in the world.”
MEF’s board of directors expressed enthusiasm about Hurst’s appointment, noting both her familiarity with the organization and her deep personal commitment to the schools it supports.
“Ashley brings a unique combination of strategic leadership and genuine commitment to our schools,” said Catherine Fore, chair of the MEF board of directors. “She understands what makes Signal Mountain special and shares the community’s commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for every student. We’re excited about the future of MEF under her leadership.”
Hurst’s personal connection to education and the Chattanooga area runs deep. The daughter of Karan and Andy Stockett, she grew up on Lookout Mountain and graduated from Baylor School before attending the University of Georgia. After college, she spent years living and working in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and New York City, gaining experience in fast-paced communications and marketing environments.
In 2016, Hurst and her husband, Zach, returned to Chattanooga with their oldest son, Jackson. The family ultimately made their way to Signal Mountain in 2020 as a family of five after welcoming two more children, Beckham and Hannah.
For Hurst, raising her children in the community where she now works has made the mission of MEF deeply personal.
“I loved everything about my education experience growing up,” Hurst said. “I took advantage of every opportunity and left nothing on the table, and it prepared me for so many incredible experiences. If I could do it all again, I would. Now, after many years away and finding myself in this special community with everything Signal Mountain offers, I know I can give my own children the same kind of foundation - supported by a community that truly invests in its schools.”
As MEF enters its next chapter, the foundation remains focused on strengthening partnerships, supporting educators, and investing in students at every stage of their educational journey. With Hurst at the helm, MEF aims to continue serving as a steady, community-driven force behind Signal Mountain’s public schools and the students they serve.
For more on MEF, including upcoming events and ways to support, visit www.meftoday.org.
RSS Feed