Ashley Z. Hand

Ashley Z. Hand is a seasoned professional in urban change management and public administration, currently serving as the Director of Local Government Services at the Mid-America Regional Council since March 2025 and as an Adjunct Lecturer at Tulane University since March 2020, where support is provided for a new online Master of Public Administration program. Previous roles include Director of Strategic Communications for the Unified Government of Kansas City, Kansas and Wyandotte County, and Co-Founder of Cityfi, specializing in sustainable urban transformations. With experience as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California, a Transportation Technology Strategist Fellow for the City of Los Angeles, and the first Chief Innovation Officer for Kansas City, Missouri, Ashley Z. Hand has a strong background in fostering innovation and digital inclusion in urban policy. Academic credentials include a Master’s degree in Architecture from Pratt Institute and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from McGill University.