Ashley Connelly joined Centrepolis as a program manager and business development team member in 2022. She brings a diverse background of business experience having supported programs in various industries including defense, engineering, workforce development, and manufacturing. She is currently the CEO of Lionbear Ventures, a consulting and management group specializing in fund and business development for small businesses located in rural and disadvantaged neighborhoods throughout Michigan.

Prior to starting her own consulting firm, Ashley Connelly served as the Director of Operations & Finance at Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC), a non-profit and national institute for the sewn goods industry. Connelly has been working in Finance and Business Management for over 15 years. Her professional roles have been based in manufacturing industries who perform project management, research & development, and talent development services.

Connelly played a critical role in startups, the most recent being ISAIC, an institute focused on transforming the sewn goods industry through sustainability and people-focused talent development. She was instrumental in leading the Operations team through the first 2 years by fostering a culture of teamwork and resilience during the onset of a global pandemic. Her versatility and diverse skill set was instrumental as she advised and supported the nonprofit leadership team in launching a successful funding campaign and manufacturing facility.

Previous to ISAIC, Connelly was recruited to LIFT, a new Manufacturing USA Institute funded by the Department of Defense. Her background of corporate accounting and defense contracting made her uniquely qualified for the role. During her tenure she grew the accounting department, oversaw governmental fund management compliance, and was an integral proposal development team member that led to over $10M in federal awards.

Connelly began her career with Lockheed Martin as a Financial Analyst, which took her through various roles and programs throughout New York, Texas, and Italy. On her final assignment with Lockheed Martin, Connelly was deployed as the F-35 Italy FACO Business Manager. She worked directly with the Italian Military customer on contract execution, collecting over $50M in receipts over 3 years. Her successful career with Lockheed Martin was directly attributed to her skills in problem solving, planning, analytical strength, and eagerness to meet a challenge. At one point, she was an analyst with a portfolio of over $8 billion. Lockheed Martin taught her how to perform at the highest standards as the country’s largest defense contractor.

 Connelly graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She is an entrepreneur who restores real estate properties and operates small businesses. She is passionate about sustainability, people development, and bringing economic opportunities to communities in need.