Advocates For Families Names Executive Director
ASHLAND – Following a thorough search process, Advocates For Families’ board of directors has selected former interim director Gregory Ashbrook II as executive director to lead the agency into the future.
“Gregg’s passion for our mission is unparalleled,” said board president Kelly VanDriest. “He has demonstrated as interim director and throughout the search and interview process that he has built strong relationships with the organization’s staff, can make and sustain positive connections in our community, and possesses the vision and skills to move the agency forward.”
Now celebrating its 40th year of service, Advocates For Families (formerly Ashland Parenting Plus) is the longest-running provider of parent education in Ashland County. The nonprofit agency also provides teen 3E Groups: Educate, Enrich & Empower, youth intervention mentoring services, and wraparound services for families with complex needs.
AFF also administers Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs in Ashland County and Knox County, helping train and support volunteer advocates for the best interests of children who are in the Juvenile Court system due to abuse, neglect, or dependency.
“I’m especially passionate about serving Ashland County because I grew up here and have experienced some unique challenges myself. Looking back, I know I would have benefited from the kinds of services we now provide through AFF, and I often relate to the stories we hear from families we support,” Ashbrook said.
“I have seen firsthand the difference that just a few positive, supportive adults can make in a person’s life, because that was true for me. I hope that, as an agency, we can be that support system families deserve, for both the parents and the youth.”
Ashbrook joined Advocates For Families in January 2020 and has served as a mentor and a Team Lead for the Wraparound and Youth Intervention Services programs. His previous experience includes Assistant Director of Summer Camp and Respite Programs at Camp Nuhop, Youth and Family Case Manager at Appleseed Community Mental Health Center, Program Supervisor at REM/The Mentor Network and Therapeutic Behavioral Services Specialist at ViaQuest.
An Ashland native, Ashbrook graduated from Ashland High School and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from The Ohio State University. He now resides in Mansfield with his wife, Liana, and son, Greyson.
Ashbrook was appointed to serve as interim director in January 2025, when longtime executive director Catherine Swope stepped down from executive leadership to pursue other employment. Swope remained on the AFF staff in a part-time capacity as Clinical Director for several months, working alongside Ashbrook as he became acclimated to the role.
Jim Cutright, President/CEO of Ashland County Community Foundation, has also served as a mentor to Gregg throughout the transition.
“I’ve had the opportunity to get to know Gregg on a more personal level over the past few months, and I’m both thrilled that he has been selected as AFF’s new director and extremely confident that he will succeed,” Cutright said.
“Gregg possesses qualities that you can’t teach, namely passion and caring for those AFF serves, those who support its mission and, importantly those with whom he works each day.
“His creativity and drive make him the perfect choice to lead AFF into its next chapter.”
Taking its role of due diligence seriously, the AFF board of directors engaged in a search process to consider all internal and external candidates for the important position of executive director. Ashbrook ultimately rose to the top of a large pool of applicants.
“We’re confident we have the right leader in place, backed up by great team leads and staff, as well as our board and our supportive community partners. We have a strong foundation of impactful programs that former director Swope worked tirelessly to grow during her tenure,” Van Driest said. “Now, the vision is to become more visible in the community and to reach a place of greater sustainability, to help strengthen even more families, and continue to break generational cycles so parents and children can thrive.”
Ashbrook says people can expect to see him as someone who shows up with consistency, care, and a strong commitment to the community.
“I believe in leading with empathy, staying open to feedback, and making sure the work we do continues to reflect what youth and their families need, he said.
“Leadership is not about having all the answers. It’s about listening to others, supporting my team, and being willing to grow right alongside them. I’ll continue to build on the strong foundation AFF already has, while also looking for ways we can improve and adapt to serve people even better.
“At the end of the day, I hope people feel like they can trust us as an agency, rely on us, and know we’re here to help them feel supported and empowered.”
Advocates For Families invites community partners, clients, and anyone who wishes to join in celebrating Ashbrook’s promotion, to stop by Advocates For Families, 270 Sandusky St. in Ashland, between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sept. 24. The open house-style reception will include an opportunity to meet and greet the new executive director and tour the agency.
