Ashley Woitena

Ashley Woitena is the President & CEO of VisitColumbusGA, appointed in March 2025 following a competitive national search. With more than 18 years of experience in destination management, Ashley is a recognized leader in the tourism industry, known for her strategic vision, collaborative spirit, and passion for place-based storytelling. Her contributions have earned her accolades including Georgia Trend’s 40 Under 40 in 2023 and recognition among the Top 500 Most Influential Georgians in 2025 and 2026.

Ashley holds a Master of Business Administration from Troy University and a bachelor’s degree in business management from Columbus State University. She is a Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME), a graduate of the GACVB Leadership Excellence program, and holds the Tourism Marketing Professional (TMP) designation from the Southeast Tourism Society, credentials that reflect her dedication to professional excellence.

Beyond her role at VisitColumbusGA, Ashley serves on the boards of Girls Inc., Uptown Columbus Inc., and the newly formed Sports & Entertainment Authority. She is a past Chair of the Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (GACVB) and continues to lend her expertise through strategic committee leadership.

While having an 18-year career in tourism affords many great experiences and memories. One of her most unique opportunities and a way to check off a bucket list item was tandem skydiving into Fort Benning with the U.S. Army Golden Knights jump team.