Ashley Burns: A Maverick in Aerospace, A Beacon in Community Service

Photo courtesy of Ashley Burns

Name: Ashley Burns
Age: 29
Profession: Project Manager at The Boeing Company
Neighborhood: New Albany
Education: Bachelor of Science from WVU Tech, Master’s Degree of Business from Ohio Christian University, Master of Aerospace Maintenance Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Community Involvement: Masonic Eastern Star Chapter #287, Daughters of the American Revolution, Save A Warrior, PGA Hope, WeDefy- Athlete, Team Red, White, Blue, Mission Continues, Bunker Labs, National Veterans Memorial and Museum, Women Leaders in Aerospace, Leading Ladies of Defense, National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Electric Power Professionals
Quote: “I would rather have a body full of scars and a head full of memories, than a head full of regrets and perfect skin. “- Atticus
Connect: LinkedIn

At 29, Ashley Burns orchestrates her career with the precision of a symphony conductor, serving as a Project Manager at The Boeing Company. Residing in the vibrant neighborhood of New Albany, her educational journey includes a Bachelor’s in Science from WVU Tech, a Master’s in Business from Ohio Christian University, and a Master’s in Aerospace Maintenance Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Ashley’s journey is a fusion of military dedication and civilian achievement. Enlisting in the U.S. Army in 2012, she balanced soccer, ROTC, and sorority leadership at WVU Tech. Commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer in 2016, she transitioned to project management after working in the legal department at American Electric Power. Now at Boeing, she is not only a Project Manager but also the Military Veterans Employee Resource Group Chair.

Her mornings are fueled by personal accountability and an unwavering commitment to the nation’s warfighters. In her words, she owes them nothing less than her personal best. Her guidance comes from her parents, embodying lessons in leadership, patience, and personal growth.

To unwind, Ashley immerses herself in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, meditation, scuba diving, and the tranquility of reading and reflection. She frequents COSI, the Columbus Zoo, and local art shows, finding solace in the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, where she volunteers and practices Jiu-Jitsu.

Her childhood dreams of joining the military or becoming a firefighter reflect in her current pursuits. Reading books like “The Art of Clear Thinking” and podcasts like “Jocko Podcast” keep her intellectually engaged. Chosen for the Next Up Columbus award, Ashley feels honored, having transitioned from a small town in West Virginia to making a significant impact on the vibrant city of Columbus. To her, the pulse of Columbus beats in the heart of family-owned stores and restaurants, always exploring the new and untried.

The Next Up Columbus Awards highlight emerging leaders who are connectors and ambassadors in central Ohio and who are making a positive impact on the future of Columbus. The Columbus Young Professionals Club would like to offer special thanks to our 2023 co-presenters, Discover Financial, Ohio Dominican University and Quantum Health for their support of this year’s awards program. Meet the entire “Class of 2023” »