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Ashley

A leader in sports communications with over 18 years of experience driving strategic messaging, media relations, and community impact. Her career highlights include executive roles with the Houston Dynamo Football Club, where she elevated brand presence and community partnerships, and the Portland Trail Blazers, where she led corporate communications, diversity initiatives, and social impact programs.

With a track record of success at organizations like the Oklahoma City Thunder and collaborations with global brands such as AT&T, NCAA, and Major League Soccer, Ashley combines expertise in crisis management, strategic planning, and partnership development. A Greenville, S.C. native and Clark Atlanta University graduate, she is passionate about leveraging her skills to create meaningful connections between brands and their communities.

Career Timeline:

Ashley P. Clinkscale | Career Timeline

Ashley P. Clinkscale is a seasoned professional in sports communications with over 19 years of experience driving strategic media relations, community engagement, and impactful campaigns. A Greenville, S.C., native and graduate of Clark Atlanta University, Ashley has built a career on leveraging communication strategies to enhance brand success and foster meaningful connections. Below is a chronological outline of her professional journey:

2024: Houston Dynamo Football Club

Vice President of Communications and Public Relations

  • Lead internal and external communications strategies for Houston Dynamo Football Club, guiding key Club initiatives

  • Head of communications and official spokesperson for the organization

  • Manage crisis communications and response efforts, integral to communication planning

  • Ensure unified messaging across various channels for six distinct business and technical units, including GM, head coach,

    president, ownership, and technical staff

  • Supervise all aspects of digital marketing, encompassing organic social media, the club's website, and paid social and search campaigns

2023: Personal Sabbatical

Consultant Client Portfolio:

  • FOX Sports: Collaborated with FOX Sports on targeted communication strategies to enhance brand visibility and engagement around MLB at Rickwood Field Broadcast

  • Sundance Festival: Provided communications support for Sundance Festiva 2024, facilitating effective promotion and coverage of the event.

  • Players TV: Contributed to the development of communication strategies for Players TV, a leading platform for athlete-driven content.

2020-2022: Portland Trail Blazers, Portland, OR

EVP, Chief Communications and Impact Officer

  • Official spokesperson for organizational

  • Led crisis communication strategy

  • Led media relations, player relations and Trail Blazers Foundation

  • Led internal communications strategy and editorial direction

  • Served as part of the executive leadership team

  • Led internal communications and editorial direction of the organization’s internal and external communication portals

  • Responsible for supporting basketball operations in advancing the organization’s player appearance requests, CBA reporting, and player-related charity programs across all franchises.

  • Advance business development and strategic initiatives including bid process to bring a NCAA Women’s Final Four to Portland.

  • Maximize resources contributed via equitable channels/processes to nonprofits, schools and students from TBI and TBF (Goal:$2M contributed financially and at least 15,000 in-kind items)

SVP, Communications, Community & Diversity

  • Led cross-platform communications function encompassing linear, digital, social, direct to consumer and multicultural

  • Advanced diversity, equity and inclusion within the company and works to maintain our position as leaders in our industry and region

  • Oversaw team responsible for seamlessly integrating external, DE&I, and internal communicationsSVP, Communications

  • Led day-to-day publicity efforts for digital properties

  • Maintained relationships with key members of the media in various beats including national, local, television, business, sports, television trades, digital and non-traditional media

  • Pitched and facilitated press interviews with high-profile talent and executives

2018-2019 Oklahoma City Thunder, Oklahoma City, OK,

Director, Corporate Communications

  • Developed crisis communications strategies and crafted value-aligned messaging for senior leadership, players and teams highlighting the Thunder’s commitment to community, equality and diversity.

  • Managed corporate communications and media training, selecting and vetting speaking engagements, interviews, and awards, significantly enhancing organizational visibility and reputation.

  • Oversaw budgets totaling $410,000 across two seasons, directing funds effectively for communications and community initiative

2015-2018: SJ&P + Schure Media Group + Kenny Smith Entertainment Group, Atlanta, GA,

Public Relations Account Executive/Consultant

  • Managed and coordinated media relations, crisis communications and social media for Zaxby’s

  • Created and managed Zaxby’s Fanz of Flavor tour with IMG and NCAA.

2013-2015: Career Sports & Entertainment, Atlanta, GA

2011-2015: PGA of America, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

2009-2011: Greenville Drive, Greenville, SC

2005-2009: Moroch Partners, Dallas, TX

2004-2005: Jeff Dezen Public Relations, Greenville, SC

Ashley continues to seek opportunities to apply her expertise in innovative ways to drive success in the sports industry, blending strategic planning with a passion for community impact.