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A Central Valley native with over 27 years of experience in community and economic development, Ashley Swearengin serves as President and CEO of the Central Valley Community Foundation, a charitable foundation serving six counties across Central California. Under her leadership, CVCF has helped secure over $700 million in philanthropic and public investments to more than 950 civic organizations.
Prior to her role at CVCF, Ashley served as Mayor of Fresno from 2009 through 2016, where she focused on improving distressed neighborhoods, revitalizing the downtown and urban core, addressing chronic homelessness, and stabilizing the city’s financial position. During her tenure, Fresno was one of six cities nationally designated by the Obama Administration as a Strong Cities, Strong Communities partner. She has also led the Governor’s Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley, Fresno State’s Office of Community and Economic Development, the Fresno Regional Jobs Initiative, and the Central Valley Business Incubator.
Ashley serves on regional, statewide, and national boards dedicated to inclusive economic growth, educational attainment, and civic engagement, including New America, the Urban Institute, the College Futures Foundation, California Forward, and the James B. McClatchy Foundation.
She holds a BS in Business Administration, MBA, and an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from California State University, Fresno and lives in Fresno with her family.
