Leadership Alabama

Born and raised in Montgomery, Ashley Kaplan graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Arts in communications. She began her career serving in roles at the Auburn University Foundation in Major Gifts Development and Huntingdon College as a recruiter in the Office of Admissions in Montgomery. Ashley joined the Leadership Alabama team in December 2007 and has been instrumental in every aspect of the organization, including leading the growth, expansion, and success of Leadership Alabama’s ALI (Alabama Leadership Initiative) young professional program in 2017. She achieved her current role as executive director in July 2023.

Ashley currently serves on the boards of directors for the Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Institute, the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama and the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham, where she chairs the Programs Committee. Ashley was named one of Birmingham Business Journal’s “Emerging Influencers of 2023” and is a member of Leadership Birmingham (Class 41).

Ashley lives in Birmingham with her husband Kent and children, Tripp (19) and Lexie (15). They are active members of St. Mary’s-on-the-Highlands Episcopal Church, where she serves on the Parish Engagement Committee. She enjoys running, cooking, watching football, catching live music shows, and spending time at Lake Martin.

Kate Mann is a Florence, Alabama native and graduate of the University of Missisippi, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Following graduation, she moved to New York City to begin her teaching career while she earned her Master of Education degree from Relay Graduate School of Education.

During her time in New York, Kate taught elementary school in both charter and independent schools, experiences that strengthened her passion for leadership, collaboration, and creating opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds. She was an active member of the New York Junior League, where she volunteered to support community initiatives and leadership development. Kate also served as a founding coordinator of the Florence YMCA’s Trax4Max race, helping launch the event and raise support for the Trax4Max Foundation’s mission to serve children and families in the community.

Kate is excited to return to her home state and join the Leadership Alabama team, where she looks forward to helping advance the organization’s mission of developing informed, connected leaders who are committed to moving Alabama forward.

In her free time, Kate enjoys running, reading, spending time on the lake, and trying new restaurants with friends or family.

Kate Cotton joined Leadership Alabama as the Executive Director in January 2018 following a long career at Protective Life Corporation.  She was a member of LA Class XVII and was serving as a LA board member when chosen for this role.  During her tenure, the Leadership Alabama team achieved some incredible milestones relative to growth and organizational & financial efficiencies.  As of July 1, 2023, Kate stepped down as ED and enthusiastically assumed the role of Operations and Development Director in support of Ashley’s leadership and the LA team.

She has served on various boards of directors, including PARCA, Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Institute, the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham, the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the Birmingham Education Foundation, the Woodlawn Foundation, Jones Valley Teaching Farm, and the YWCA Central Alabama. Additionally, she is a member of Leadership Birmingham, UAB’s Leadership Cabinet, UAB’s Educational Foundation Board and PreSchool Partners’ Advisory Council. She was named one of the BBJ’s “Top Birmingham Women for 2020,” in addition to being named one of Birmingham’s “Women Who Make a Difference” in 2014 and being honored as a “Woman of Distinction” by the Girl Scouts.

Kate, a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Price College of Business, enjoys spending time at Lake Martin, reading, walking, and silently cheering for the Oklahoma Sooners amidst the sea of Alabama and Auburn fans.