Ashley Thorne is the Executive Director of River Region Trails, bringing a dynamic blend of entrepreneurial spirit, nonprofit leadership and project management expertise to the role. At just 25, she founded and operated a successful coffee shop in Sumter County before selling it two years later. Her passion for community development led her to serve as Assistant Director of the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce, where she gained valuable nonprofit experience. After working in the Development Office at Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) while earning her MBA, Ashley transitioned into a project manager role for an outdoor amenities company, further honing her skills in planning and development. Since August, she has been leading River Region Trails, dedicated to enhancing outdoor connectivity and recreational opportunities across the region.
What is River Region Trails’ mission?
River Region Trails, Inc. is committed to developing a network of pedestrian greenways, parks and outdoor resources in the River Region. The organization will coordinate the efforts of citizens, corporate partners and local governments to plan, fund and develop natural space for public use, which will invariably have a positive impact on community health, quality of life, economic development, transportation and neighborhood connectivity.
What inspired you to get involved with River Region Trails?
I’ve always had an interest in planning and design. I started college as an Architecture student at SCAD and fell in love with Savannah and urban planning. Although I didn’t finish that route academically, I’ve always had that passion. I’m also a runner, a gardener and an environmentalist, so it’s a natural fit for me.
What does your day-to-day look like as Executive Director?
No day is the same. I have regular monthly meetings with the City of Montgomery and my Board of Directors. I try to attend the County Commission meetings and City Council meetings on a bi-monthly basis. Some days, I’m writing grants or meeting agendas, others I’m planting trees or painting dog fences.
What is the biggest challenge you and the organization have faced in the last year?
We’re still a very young organization, and I’m a new director. It’s been a steep learning curve for me. From learning our master plan and mission, to implementing organizational processes, to navigating politics.
What partnerships have been most impactful in furthering the organization’s mission?
The City of Montgomery and Montgomery County are essential partnerships for what we’re doing. We’ve recently partnered up with the Clean City Commission to support our Trail Keepers volunteer initiative. Blue Cross Blue Shield has continued to support the Blue-Bikes. We also have a partnership with the Auburn School of Landscape Architecture with the Cypress Nature Preserve.
How can individuals and businesses best support the mission of River Region Trails?
Individuals can help by giving, volunteering, engaging with us on socials, shopping our store or riding a Blue-Bike.
How do trails contribute to economic development and tourism in the River Region?
Smart investment in public infrastructure often spurs private investment. Building a trail provides the space for that investment to be linear through and between neighborhoods.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in outdoor advocacy?
Get connected. There are a bunch of great people in the community who are focused on downtown development, running/biking groups, environmental groups, you name it. Follow them on socials, go to their events, find your people. This can include state and national organizations as well.
What do you find most fulfilling about your work with River Region Trails?
I’m just passionate about the project. It’s definitely a long game but seeing incremental progress is encouraging. The Trail Keepers are awesome too. It fills me up when volunteers show up to help their community.
Are there any upcoming projects or expansions that you’re particularly excited about?
Our most imminent project is the Riverfront Extension. Groundbreaking will take place this year, and I’ll be glad to have some miles behind me.
How do you see the River Region Trails transforming the community in the next five to ten years?
Dramatically. The Riverfront experience will be transformative for tourism and economic development. The Jackson Cut rail trail will encourage a lot of private investments along its corridor, especially downtown through currently blighted areas. Cypress Nature Preserve will be a living museum of Alabama ecology right downtown. And, the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail will be transformative for West Montgomery.
Just for Fun:
- If you weren’t working for River Region Trails, what would you be doing? I’d love to be a private developer. Public infrastructure is only half the coin, I’d love to be able to enhance our community from the private sector as well.
- What do you enjoy outside of work? I run, garden and spend time with my family.
- What is on your playlist? I jump around to different music. Chappell Roan has been on a loop lately.
