Marketing, business development exec takes on WMU-Punta Gorda role

Contact: Cheryl Roland

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—A Florida executive with a background in business development and marketing in banking and health care in Charlotte County, Florida, has been named director of outreach and corporate engagement for Western Michigan University Extended University Programs' growing Florida initiatives.

Teri Ashley, of Punta Gorda, Florida, began her tenure in the new role in late fall. Her focus is on building relationships between WMU and the local health care industry, identifying opportunities for external research funding, serving as a representative and community relations advocate for the University, and helping to connect University initiatives and programs to corporate, nonprofit, governmental and educational stakeholders in the area.

"This is a special position that will play a critical role as we grow our programming, service and research initiatives in Florida," says Dr. Dawn Fortin Mattoon, associate provost for WMU's Extended University Programs. "We were delighted to find Teri and consider her extensive record of accomplishments and deep community connections tailor made for this role."

Headshot, Teri Ashley.

Ashley

About Ashley

Ashley comes to WMU from Bayfront Health in Punta Gorda, where she had served as director of business development for the Riverside Behavioral Health Center since 2013. Before that, she was assistant vice president and business development officer at Charlotte County's Centennial Bank.

Her earlier positions include serving as marketing manager for BankUnited and managing a dual role as community relations director for Charlotte Behavioral Health Care and director of the Fred Lang Foundation.

Ashley's background also includes editorial work for the Charlotte Sun Herald and service as director of communication and events for the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce.

Ashley is a graduate of the University of Central Florida in Orlando, where she earned a bachelor's degree in communications/radio and television production.

About WMU-Florida

With additional regional locations across Michigan and in Florida, WMU is able to deliver undergraduate and graduate programs specific to an area’s needs. In partnership with Florida SouthWestern State College, WMU-Punta Gorda offers a bachelor's degree in aviation flight science and is focused on finding opportunities to offer additional programs in health care, business and information technology in the future to serve the needs of Florida's growing population. Learn more at wmich.edu/florida.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.