LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
Meet Chamber Staff: Ashley Cates
A shley Cates has recently been hired as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Travel Medford & The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County. Prior to starting this position, Cates has worked in marketing related to the tourism industry for nearly 14 years, holding prominent Marketing Director and Creative Director positions throughout her career. “I am thrilled to have Ashley on our Chamber team. Her passion, expertise and energy will help elevate our community,” said Eli Matthews, President & CEO of The Chamber. As a department within The Chamber, Travel Medford executes one of The Chamber’s four strategic objectives, which is to promote the community and market the city as a premier travel destination. “Ashley helped build a successful marketing foundation when she served as
the Creative Director for Travel Medford via Spotlight Marketing during the past four years,” said T.J. Holmes, Senior Vice President for Travel Medford. “Her marketing strategy, brand direction, and public relations expertise has aided in growing Medford’s presence in the tourism industry, and we are excited to have her join the team.” Holmes said Cates has lived and worked locally as well as in Australia, Spain and New Zealand. Her extensive background in the wine and hospitality industries gives her an intimate understanding of the Rogue Valley. Cates graduated from the University of Oregon with a bachelor’s degree in 2010. She was pinned with the International Guild of Sommeliers in 2015 and obtained her gold pin certification by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute in
Ashley Cates, Chief Marketing Officer of Travel Medford
collaboration with the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association in 2018. Most recently, Cates graduated from the Oregon
Tourism Leadership Academy in 2021. n
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The Business Review | May 2022
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