Ashley Kress joined the Center for Pursuit in 2024 as Senior Director of Development. She brings twenty years of development experience, having previously been Director of Advancement at The Rise School of Houston. Ashley’s passion for serving those with disabilities comes from her love for two important people in her life—her son, Blakeley, and her brother-in-law, Nathan, both of whom have Down syndrome. Before working in development, Ashley taught in middle and high school.

Ashley holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Rice University. She and her husband, Hugh, an intellectual property attorney, have three adult children, Blakeley and his two siblings—Miller and Byron. She is a certified fundraising executive and volunteers with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – Special Children’s Committee.