Ashley Bartley
29 | Director of HR & Operations, Neville Companies, Inc.
Residence: Fairfax
Career highlight(s) you are most proud of:
Leading my team and company during the early stages of the pandemic, cultivating an environment where employees felt safe coming into work. It was such uncertain times and knowing that my colleagues were comfortable and happy to still come into the office was very rewarding.
Your community involvement:
I currently serve on my community library’s board of trustees, focusing on early-childhood literacy for the children in our town. Recently, I was appointed to the Franklin County Home Health Agency Board of Directors. 
The goal of the agency is to provide the highest-quality home health care and hospice to the people of Franklin County. It is humbling to be part of a board that is dedicated to the health and well-being of all our county’s residents.
Inspiration for living and working in Vermont:
I am a fourth-generation Vermonter. My deep roots in our beautiful state have kept me from ever considering leaving.
Favorite part of your job:
I work with phenomenal people, all of whom have become a great support system — and even greater friends.
Most inspiring mentor:
Carl Recchia, my high school choral teacher. He taught me many life lessons, but especially the importance of being mindful in all that I do. “Everything Matters.”
Best career advice you have received:
We have a family saying: “Leave it on the field.” At the end of the day, I know that I did everything in my power to accomplish my goals.
Something fun about yourself that few people know:
I am a die-hard New York Yankees’ fan. My dog’s middle name is Jeter, and when I was in labor with my daughter I listened to Sinatra’s “New York, New York” on repeat.
Three words that best describe you:
Tenacious, thoughtful and motivated.
Favorite Vermont escape:
The Trapp Family Lodge. I grew up spending my winters skiing in Stowe, and every year my family would stay at the lodge as the perfect winter getaway.
Favorite Vermont season:
Autumn. Nothing — and I mean nothing — beats colorful foliage, hot apple cider and pumpkin patches.
Favorite downtime activities:
Spending time with my family. I don’t get a lot of downtime, but when I do I make sure I make the most of it!
Favorite social media:
Instagram. I am a very visual person, and I love that Instagram has so many different purposes.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with:
My grandmother. She passed in 2019, and I would love nothing more than to share one last drink with her and introduce her to her great-granddaughter.
Cause(s) you would support if you had unlimited funds:
I have lost many amazing people to suicide. If I had American Foundation for Suicide Prevention unlimited funds, I would support — and do support — the. I want to ensure that no one feels alone to the extent they feel the need to make that decision.
A song on your playlist you are embarrassed to admit to your best friend:
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey. I had the DJ play it at my wedding, so no embarrassment on my part!
Where you see yourself professionally in the next five to 10 years:
I would love to continue my work, receive my HR certification and grow in my profession.
Goal(s) you’d like to accomplish in the next five to 10 years:
To be elected to the Legislature, working full-time to make Vermont a better place.
How your community service has changed since the pandemic:
The pandemic changed the way I think about and approach service. The needs of the community have changed; the pandemic was rough on everyone, especially small rural communities like mine.
How your job has changed since the pandemic:
As the pandemic progressed, I worked to ensure that we were compliant with changes to state and federal guidelines. We also had to quickly reorganize many of our departments to continue operating during employee illnesses and absences. I am so incredibly proud of how my team worked together and all that we accomplished.
