Donna Ashley has been named the canon to the Episcopal Church bishop suffragan for Armed Forces and Federal Ministries, a member of the presiding bishop’s staff. Ashley served most recently as vice president of advancement at General Theological Seminary in New York City.
In this full-time position, Ashley works with the Rt. Rev. Ann Ritonia, bishop suffragan for Armed Forces and Federal Ministries. Among her duties are the direct administrative support of more than 100 Episcopal priests who serve as federal chaplains in the armed forces, veterans’ hospitals, and federal prisons. She assists the bishop suffragan in the recruitment, support, and care of these chaplains.
Experienced in recruiting, systems development, and tracking processes, Ashley holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and management from Simmons College in Boston and a master’s in theology from General Theological Seminary. A lifelong Episcopalian, she has served as director of parish giving at Trinity Church Boston; interim director of congregational resources and training in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts; and is on the board of the Episcopal Parish Network.
“I am so pleased Canon Donna will share her many gifts and skills to recruit and serve chaplains across all federal ministries,” Ritonia said. “I am looking forward to this exciting collaboration that will serve the wider church and the world.”