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City of Venice names new Assistant Public Works Director
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
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Ashlee Castle, City of Venice Public Works Office Manager, has been promoted to Assistant Director of Public Works and Asset Management.
Castle has been with the City since October 2020. She is the first woman to hold the Assistant Public Works Director post.
A true Floridian, Castle was born in Fort Lauderdale, moved to Vero Beach when she was 5 and headed to the west coast of Florida for college. She has been in the Sarasota/Venice area for nearly 18 years. Castle attended St. Leo University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice/Sociology in 2005 and a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration in 2007. She then obtained a doctorate in Education, in Organizational and Business Leadership, from Argosy University. Castle also has a certificate in Construction Project Management from Columbia State University.
Prior to coming to the City, Castle worked at Saint Leo University from 2007-2016, serving in roles as a Special Project Administrator, Assistant Professor of Leadership, and Director of Leadership Development for Academic Affairs and Student Services. From 2016-2020, she worked in the corporate automotive sector as a Marketing and Special Project Associate.
“I absolutely love this City and have been in and around it for almost 18 years,” Castle said. “It is such a small piece of paradise with a historical and cultural edge. An opportunity presented itself back in 2020 and I decided to take the leap and apply for the Office Manager role at Public Works. I am a firm believer that learning is growing, and you should constantly try to expand your portfolio. I truly hold myself to the value of learning more, doing more and being more. I believe this allows me the opportunity to constantly develop as a person and a professional.”
In her new role as Assistant Public Works Director, Castle said, “building relationships and focusing on a team-driven environment is a must. The atmosphere that has been created over the last 5-6 years in Public Works is outstanding, and keeping that momentum going is vital to success of the department. I am excited to be part of the driving force that keeps the department moving in this direction, and can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
“Ashlee is very driven, energetic, and a proven multi-tasker,” said Director of Public Works and Asset Management Ricky Simpson. “She is willing to take on any task and has a way of learning and adapting to any situation or project with ease. Ashlee has built great relationships throughout the City, especially within the staff at Public Works. She has a drive to learn more and do more every day, and she will continue to be an asset and outstanding leader for our Public Works team.”
Ashlee and her husband Ron have been married for 16 years. They have two children, R.J., 12, and Gabbie, 10.
Simpson, who was promoted to Public Works Director in July, last held the Assistant Public Works Director position.