The University of Maryland, Baltimore has recently announced that Ashley Valis has been named Executive Director, Community Initiatives & Engagement. In this newly created position, Valis

will lead UMB’s Community Promise Initiative, coordinating and focusing the University’s many community engagement programs to provide even greater service to UMB’s neighboring communities in West Baltimore and Downtown Baltimore.

From the University of Maryland, Baltimore press release, Peter N. Gilbert, MSF, Chief Operating Officer & Senior Vice President said that,

“Ashley Valis has the right blend of experience to effectively coordinate and guide our community outreach. She has a proven ability to work closely and build strong relationships with community leaders, and also to successfully advocate for their needs at all levels of state and local government.”

Valis served most recently as assistant chief of staff to Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. In that role, and previously as deputy director of intergovernmental affairs, she worked closely with communities across the state to advance the governor’s priorities with regard to Smart Growth, natural resources and planning. She also served as the governor’s liaison with Maryland’s mayors and county executives in the Maryland Association of Counties and the Maryland Municipal League.

To read more about Valis’ new role, visit University of Maryland, Baltimore’s website.