The District of Evansville of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has hired Ashley Newell, PhD, as their new Executive Director. Dr. Newell will assume her duties on Tuesday, June 2. The current Executive Director, Joseph Cook, will remain until June 21 to help with the transition.
Dr. Newell was raised in a Catholic, military family and has lived in many locations, both nationally and internationally as military assignments required. Her formative years were influenced by both military and Catholic experiences, instilling within her a deep sense of faith, valuing discipline and service.
Newell is an alumna of Indiana University-Bloomington, earning degrees in both Russian and East Asian Studies and holds a master’s degree in Linguistics. Her doctoral research is in Linguistic Anthropology.
Prior to coming to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Newell worked for former Indiana Congressman Todd Rokita in the U.S. House of Representatives, and later for Congressman Larry Bucshon. In her career, she worked closely with constituents in veteran, military and immigration affairs, helping to resolve complex federal issues and building partnerships with key community organizations and agencies.
When asked about her new role as Executive Director, Newell said, “I am honored to carry forward the mission of St. Vincent de Paul under the vision and leadership of President Dan Miller. I hold great respect for my predecessor, Joseph Cook, and am committed to upholding the high standard he set, bringing continued excellence to this role.”
In her free time Newell enjoys baking, gardening, and crocheting. She and her husband met while Ashley was completing her doctorate. They are the proud parents of two young children. The Newells are members of St. Benedict Cathedral Parish and live on Evansville’s west side.
