Ashley Spilak lives and breathes digital strategy, collaboration and innovation. With expertise in digital communications, social media and the development of business relationships online, Ashley offers ten years work experience in both the public and private sector.
As one of the first social media communication officers in government, Ashley was a key player in the Province’s first strategic social media team that engaged British Columbians during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Ashley launched into the digital media landscape as a virtual reporter visiting a number of lower-mainland communities during the Winter Olympics. She tested new technologies, conducted video interviews, live blogging and tweeting, all the while delivering under deadline.
Previous experience in corporate media relations has shaped Ashley into a dynamic story-teller with no jargon, a quick wit and clear message that keep media listening. For three years, Ashley worked alongside local governments on BC wildfire deployments mastering the complexities and sensitivities required for building successful teams during real world, emergency situations.
As former Business Development Manager for the Province's International Marketing Secretariat, Ashley authored the first-ever Digital Marketing Strategy for the Province of BC and managed multi-sector digital campaigns in addition to launching new, in-language, social media channels to help profile key industry B2B trade shows – including the 2012 Premier’s Mission to India and China. Having worked through Impact Privacy Assessments and Freedom of Information requests, Ashley is accustomed to maneuvering through highly-charged political environments and multi-layered processes to deliver tangible results.
During her time at Emergency Management BC, Ashley pioneered new waters by developing best practices for emergency online communications. While building brand, stakeholder relations, and supporting training and organizational transformation, Ashley continued to live and work in real-time, understanding that emergency events don't happen nine to five, Monday to Friday. At the same time, Ashley strived to capture the imaginations of British Columbians by applying creative tactics through digital campaigns to deliver a serious message on emergency preparedness. In 2013 Ashley was listed as a Premier's Award Finalist for leading the digital marketing component for the 2012 Spring Freshet Flooding Partnership.
Prior to entering government, Ashley co-organized the Government of Canada's Backcountry Safety fundraising campaign with a Kelowna-based public relations firm. The role included writing a successful RFP, securing corporate sponsorship and organizing the first outdoor concert in Stanley Park with popular Canadian band Great Big Sea.
With direct experience in the ministries of Small Business, Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, Aboriginal Relations, Justice, Education, Citizen Services, and Government Communication Public Engagement, Ashley has acquired practical knowledge of how industry and business and municipal, provincial, federal (all levels of government) can work together to achieve successful outcomes.