ASHLEY VAUGHN
Denham Springs,United States
Summary
Strategic leader with 20 years of experience advancing equity-driven initiatives through community engagement and coalition-building. Skilled in mobilizing stakeholders, developing effective strategies, and managing partnerships to translate complex policies into actionable outcomes. Expertise in grant administration and compliance with HUD regulations, alongside oversight of disaster recovery initiatives and program efficiency enhancement.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Program Manager
DTRF
Baton Rouge
03.2024 - Current
- Lead community-centered programs focused on truth, racial healing, and systemic equity, aligning strategy with organizational mission and community priorities.
- Oversee scholarship and home modification programs that address historical inequities and community needs.
- Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, partner organizations, and funders to strengthen collective impact.
- Identify and secure new funding streams to scale organizing-informed programs and outreach efforts.
- Designed and managed Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to enhance resource access for impacted communities.
- Develop policies, procedures, and quality assurance measures to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance.
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures to enhance program efficiency and drive positive outcomes.
Government Services Senior Associate Grant Analyst
Texas Division of Emergency Management- Horne LLP
Baton Rouge
08.2021 - 03.2024
- Supported public-interest disaster recovery initiatives serving local governments and impacted communities.
- Analyzed federal statutes and regulations, including the Clean Air Act and Federal Water Pollution Control Act, to ensure equitable and compliant use of public funds.
- Reviewed and audited grant submissions and reimbursement requests, ensuring accountability and accuracy in fund disbursement.
- Conducted intake reviews, compliance testing, and payment validations within grant management systems.
- Collaborated with state and local partners to identify and resolve issues, accelerating community recovery timelines.
- Completed testing of reimbursements for a favorable error rate based on the sample.
- Submitted testing review of validated costs for payment.
- Completed professional development training to strengthen grant management skills and stay current in regulatory practices.
- Finished annual training courses in Federal Emergency Management to stay updated on protocols.
- Trained and supported new team members, maintaining culture of collaboration.
Community Planning and Development Federal Grants Program Manager
Build Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Redevelopment Authority
Baton Rouge
08.2018 - 08.2021
- Implemented and managed various Community Planning and Development Grants in compliance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rules and regulations.
- Administered CARES Act Disaster Recovery funds, supporting timely distribution to eligible recipients.
- Prepared and monitored environmental review requests for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Home Rehabilitation Projects.
- Facilitated lead assessments ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations for community projects.
- Requested and monitored the progress of home inspections and lead inspections.
- Collected documents and verified program eligibility for the City-Parish Housing Rehabilitation Programs.
- Submitted draw requests for procurement purposes.
- Finalized project closeouts to confirm all requirements were met.
- Initiated bid invitations and bid awards.
- Created requisitions for procurement for City-Parish.
- Participated in Onsite visits.
- Engaged community members to gather input, fostering collaboration for program development.
- Completed cost Reasonableness Analysis.
- Addressed and resolved technical, financial, and operational concerns by working with team members and directors.
National Campaign Coordinator
Lamar Advertising
Baton Rouge
10.2015 - 08.2018
- Managed national billboard advertising campaigns requiring coordination across multiple markets, stakeholders, and timelines.
- Coordinated scheduling, production, and installation of billboard creative, ensuring timely and accurate campaign execution.
- Monitored campaign delivery to ensure compliance with client specifications, contracts, and visibility standards.
- Served as a liaison between clients, agencies, and local markets to resolve issues and maintain campaign continuity.
- Tracked campaign performance data and compiled reports, enhancing client engagement and informing strategic decisions.
- Reviewed and approved Proof of Performance (POP) reports, including photographic verification of billboard placements.
- Strengthened communication workflows and reporting systems, improving campaign accuracy and operational efficiency.
- Developed policy positions and wrote public statements outlining stances.
Education
Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) - Environmental Law
05-2027
(In Progress)
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Minor in Sociology
08.2005 - 12.2009
Skills
- Project Management
- Grant Administration
- Budget Development
- Financial Management & Reporting
- Compliance Monitoring
- Risk Assessment
- Technical Assistance
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Community Development
- Policy Compliance
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
Extracurricular Activities
11/28/25, Foundation Representative at CROSS Conference, Catholic Archives and Slavery: Research, Collaboration, and Hope, Washington, D.C., United States
11/01/25, Speaker - River Road African American Museum: An Introduction to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy at GU272 Descendants Association
12/01/20, Participation in FY 2020 East Baton Rouge HUD Entitlement Proposal Evaluation Committee, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States
05/01/19, Office of Community Development HUD Funding Evaluation Committee, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States
Portfolio
Strategic Impact Portfolio
Timeline
Senior Program Manager - DTRF
03.2024 - Current
Government Services Senior Associate Grant Analyst - Texas Division of Emergency Management- Horne LLP
08.2021 - 03.2024
Community Planning and Development Federal Grants Program Manager - Build Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Redevelopment Authority
08.2018 - 08.2021
National Campaign Coordinator - Lamar Advertising
10.2015 - 08.2018
Louisiana State University - Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Minor in Sociology
08.2005 - 12.2009
Tulane University - Master of Jurisprudence (MJ), Environmental Law