Textile Society of America has named Ashley Occhino as the Executive Director, and Arts Consulting Group (ACG) extends its congratulations on her leadership appointment. She began her tenure on January 1, 2025.
Founded in 1987, the Textile Society of America is a United States 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides an international forum for the exchange and dissemination of textile knowledge from artistic, cultural, economic, historic, political, social, scientific, and technical perspectives. Our 800 members worldwide include curators and conservators, scholars and educators, artists, designers, makers, conservators, scientists, collectors, and others interested in fiber and textiles. Established in 1987, TSA is governed by an international Board of Directors.
As a weaver and someone who holds degrees in textiles from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and the Savannah College of Art and Design, Ashley had the privilege of instructing art across generations and exhibiting her work at SURTEX®. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about fostering inclusivity, supporting the arts, and building connections across communities. Ashley's professional journey includes leadership roles in nonprofit management, program development, and cultural equity initiatives. Most recently, Ashley worked to implement a strategic cultural plan aimed at cultivating an inclusive and sustainable creative economy. Last year, she was appointed by the Governor of Massachusetts to serve on the board of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. In addition, Ashley serves on the Board of Directors for the Southeastern Massachusetts Visitors Bureau.
In previous leadership roles at the New Bedford Art Museum and Worcester Art Museum, Ashley elevated the regional and national presence of organizations, forged meaningful partnerships, and hosted exhibitions such as Fiber Art Now’s Excellence in Fibers. She has also served as a grant panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
ACG is the leading provider of hands-on interim management, executive search, revenue enhancement, strategic planning & community engagement, and facilities & program planning and research services for the arts and culture industry. ACG consultants are located in communities across the United States and Canada to best serve the needs of our clients. ACG team members have decades of combined senior leadership experience in every artistic and cultural discipline and area of functional management expertise.