Saint Paul, Minnesota (July 10, 2025) — The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts today announced the hiring of Ashley Ryan as its new Vice President of Marketing and Sales. She joins the Ordway after serving as the Vice President of Marketing at First Avenue Productions, where she led marketing and sales campaigns for 1,100 events annually.
“Ashley Ryan has a deep knowledge of our local and national arts and entertainment industry and a proven track record for driving sales growth, engagement and brand visibility through strategic, cross-functional leadership,” said Ordway President and CEO Chris Harrington. “She also shares in our organization’s passion for connecting communities through art and live performance. Ashley has already added tremendous value to the Ordway team, and I’m confident she will continue to thrive as we tell our story and welcome new audiences.”
In her new role, Ryan will lead the Ordway’s marketing and sales initiatives, including promoting hundreds of performances each year. She will also oversee the nonprofit’s Marketing and Audience Development team.
Also in her new role, as part of the Ordway’s senior leadership team, Ryan will play a key role in advancing the Ordway’s mission and 5-year strategic plan, leading the Audience Development and Sales team, and developing growth strategies to deepen existing audience engagement as well as attract and retain new and diverse audiences.
“The Ordway represents a powerful intersection of storytelling, performance and community,” said Ryan. “I’m excited to join a team that brings Broadway, music and important voices to the stage, and to help expand the Ordway’s impact through strategic, creative and inclusive marketing. It’s an honor to support a mission that celebrates the transformative power of the performing arts.”
A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Ryan previously worked at experiential agencies in the Twin Cities and in radio promotions in Austin, Texas, producing broadcasts and activations at events and festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL).
Ryan joins the organization ahead of the Ordway’s 2025-2026 season, which includes 12 concerts and Broadway musicals. The season kicks off with the musical comedy The Addams Family, September 30–October 5, followed by Classic Albums Live: The Rolling Stones’ Sticky Fingers, October 11.