Ashley Grove Mars

Ashley Grove Mars is an experienced marketing and creative professional. She was born and raised in Alliance, Ohio and attended Ball State University, in Indiana. Upon graduation, she relocated to Hampton Roads for a job at the Virginian-Pilot. Her background is in journalism graphics, which took her into the fields of news and media, health care, commercial real estate, non-profits, and tourism. Prior to joining the Chrysler Museum of Art, Mars was the Director of Communications at the Virginia Zoo, where she led its marketing efforts, developed key internal and external communications, and oversaw public relations and advertising strategies. She was a key player in developing the strategic vision of the Zoo and helped lead new and innovative ways to increase attendance and the organization’s visibility and mission. She loves everything about Norfolk and takes great pride in civic engagement and regional development. Mars lives in Ghent with her husband and three-year-old son, where they enjoy riding bikes, walking on the Elizabeth River Trail, and supporting local businesses.