Ashley Occhino is the Executive Director of the Textile Society of America (TSA), an organization dedicated to advancing textile knowledge, education, and research. With extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, arts administration, and cultural development, Ashley has worked to strengthen creative communities, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and promote inclusive and sustainable arts initiatives.

Throughout her career, Ashley has held leadership roles in nonprofit management, program development, and cultural equity initiatives. Her work has focused on building strategic partnerships, expanding organizational reach, and supporting creative economies. Prior to joining TSA in 2025, she helped implement a strategic cultural plan designed to cultivate an inclusive and sustainable creative economy.

Ashley previously held leadership positions at the New Bedford Art Museum and Worcester Art Museum, where she worked to elevate organizational visibility and develop meaningful community partnerships. Her efforts included collaborations with The Clemente Course in the Humanities and hosting exhibitions such as Fiber Art Now's Excellence in Fibers.

In addition to her organizational leadership, Ashley was appointed by the Governor of Massachusetts to serve on the board of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the Southeastern Massachusetts Visitors Bureau and as a grant panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

An accomplished weaver and arts educator, Ashley holds degrees in textiles from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and the Savannah College of Art and Design. She has taught art across generations and exhibited her work at SURTEX. Her background as both an artist and administrator informs her commitment to preserving traditional textile practices while encouraging innovation and interdisciplinary engagement.