Headlamp Highlights: Shining a Light on Board Member Alyssa Ash

Our Headlamp Highlights Shine a Light on the People and Organizations that Help our Cottonwood Community Thrive. Meet Board Member Alyssa.

We are excited to highlight our Cottonwood Institute (CI) Board Member, Alyssa Ash, who has been on the CI Board since February 2026. Read on to learn more about Alyssa!

Introduce yourself to the Cottonwood Community. Where did you grow up? If you didn’t grow up in CO, how did you end up here?

I grew up in Des Moines, Iowa and went to the University of Iowa where I studied Graphic Design and Business Entrepreneurship. I met my then boyfriend, now husband, in college and we decided to move to Denver together in 2007. Back then it was a small(ish) city, and being close to the mountains was a big draw for both of us.

Where do you work, what do you do, and what is one thing you love about your job?

I am a Principal at AOR, a creative and digital agency based here in Denver. I oversee solutions and strategy for both the agency and our clients. I have been at AOR for 14 years and became an owner three years ago. We have been working with and supporting Cottonwood Institute for 12 years, and I have always loved working with Ford and the CI team.

What drew you to Cottonwood Institute and what inspired you to join the Board?

Working with CI through AOR, I got to see firsthand what they do to uplift students, support our community and improve our world. I have always been passionate about the outdoors and conservation, so this felt like a natural fit. I wanted to invest in an organization that shared my values, was made up of good people and genuinely made the world a better place.

What do you like to do outside of serving on the Board?

I am a mom of two, a 5 and 7 year old, so I spend most of my time wearing them out while consequently wearing myself out. We love the outdoors – camping, hiking, skiing, playing sports, you name it. I also love to read and want to see as much of the world as possible in this lifetime.

Are there any other fun facts or talents that not many people know about you?

I designed the Cottonwood logo as a Designer at AOR back in the day (2014?), so this feels like things coming full circle in the best way.