Member Spotlight

MEET PRSA AUSTIN CHAPTER MEMBER: ASHLEY KEGLEY

NAME: Ashley Kegley

CURRENT LIVELIHOOD: I am a Senior Account Executive at 3 Point Partners, a full-service communications firm here in Austin.  Among many of my public relations responsibilities, I lead the social media practice for the firm and was a key contributor to the firm’s leadership in adopting and promoting social media as a strategic communications tool.

In a typical day, I do anything from community outreach and messaging to web site development and media relations. I thrive on the balance between creativity and strategy that 3 Point Partners provides. Some of my current clients include the Coalition for Clean Affordable Reliable Energy, Balcones Resources, Ferrari of North America, White Lodging and Williamson County’s Road Bond Program.

CHILDHOOD AMBITION: I wanted to be the center of attention, but didn't every 7-year-old little girl?!  Seriously, I wanted to be co-anchor for Good Morning America. It's still to this day one of my all-time favorite shows. I wake up to it every morning and I haven't given up hope!

DRAW TO THE COMMUNICATIONS FIELD: The excitement. I was fascinated by the stories I heard.  I wanted a job where every day would be different and everyone I met would be different. I love client service, and I love that I know a little about a lot of different projects. Especially having a focus on local issues, I feel like I know what is going on in the city that I love.  From infrastructure projects like the new JW Marriott convention center hotel to long-term transportation and water solutions like WTP4 and Capitol Metro, I feel like I'm working on issues that will affect the future of Austin, if even just a little bit.

HOMETOWN: I grew up a military brat, moving every three years, mainly up and down the East Coast. From Florida to Rhode Island, but also to Sicily, Italy. The one takeaway from growing up on a military base was that I had to adapt quickly. It's probably one reason I'm so outgoing.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AS A COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONAL: Landing my first client- Ferrari of North America. I will also couple this with the fact that we are working on one of the coolest projects to the hit the Hill Country in years, probably decades… Formula 1. It's an exciting time!

RECOMMENDED READS: A big part of PR is knowing what's going on in the city you live in.  Especially working on so many local issues, the Austin American-Statesman and Austin Business Journal have become my bibles. I read them daily and often blog, tweet and post articles from them regularly.

FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT AUSTIN AND FAVORITE AUSTIN RESTAURANTS: Oh my, I could go on and on for this question, but I'll try to keep it short.  I recently got back from a trip to Colorado, and while the scenery was incredible, it made me realize how much at home (in Austin) I take for granted. We have amazing restaurants, coffee shops and unique bars on every corner. From east-side favorites like Blue Dahlia Bistro, Gourmands and Hillside Farmacy to long-standing institutions like South Congress Café, Kerby Lane and Austin Java, this City really does have it all. Not to mention, it's so pup friendly. The fact that my dog, Raleigh, and I can go almost anywhere together makes me really happy.

And before I forget, (I know, how could I?!) music is a must see and do in Austin. Of course, I love major events like SXSW and ACL, but I also equally enjoy hanging out on a patio listening to live music at Uncle Billy's or Cedar Street.

I also love the fact that we have so many things to do in this city. Every weekend is a different festival and every weekend offers a chance to try something new. From rock climbing and mountain biking to stand-up paddle boarding and marathon running, this Austin has tested me physically and emotionally more than any other.  It has personality and is the place where I have really grown.   I mean seriously, where else can I sport a fancy pair of heels and sneakers in the same day in probably the same location?!