Ashelyn Abney is a senior education and early childhood systems leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing policies, programs, and partnerships that protect children and strengthen families. She currently serves as Educational Division Director, leading statewide, cross-sector efforts focused on improving outcomes for young children.
Ashelyn has held executive and leadership roles with state education and human services agencies, as well as public school systems in Texas and Arkansas. A former elementary school principal and kindergarten teacher, she brings both policy-level expertise and on-the-ground leadership to her advocacy for child safety, equitable access to high-quality early learning, and the systems that support those who care for our youngest learners. She holds a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education and maintains certifications in Building-Level Administration (P-12), Early Childhood Education (PK-4), Special Education (K-12), and ESL (K-12) in Arkansas and Texas.
