The Textile Society of America is delighted to announce the appointment of Ashley Occhino as our new Executive Director. Ashley was hired after an international executive search guided by Arts Consulting Group. TSA is excited to take these next steps in growing, learning, and expanding our organization’s goals. We aim to be a leader in the sharing of textile knowledge, with a particular focus on anti-racism. Below is a letter written by Ashley Occhino. We look forward to ongoing work with her and our members as we move ahead into 2025.
(photo credit Travis Fauvelle)
Dear Members, Partners, and Friends of TSA,
It is with great excitement and gratitude that I introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the Textile Society of America. Joining TSA, an organization that has long been a leader in the field of textiles, is an extraordinary honor.
I envision a vibrant and inclusive future for TSA, building on the work that TSA has been doing. My goal is to guide the organization toward greater resilience, adaptability, and global connection. This year, we will focus on building a strong foundation by:
- Developing a Theory of Change that prioritizes equity, financial sustainability, and adaptability.
- Reconnecting with members and stakeholders through surveys, listening sessions, and other engagements.
- Ensuring our communications reflect the diversity of our community with inclusive branding and outreach strategies.
At the core of this vision is a commitment to fostering trust, collaboration, and sustainability while amplifying diverse voices and bridging sectors. Together, we will ensure that TSA remains a leading force in textile education, research, and engagement on a global stage.
As a weaver and someone who holds degrees in textiles from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and the Savannah College of Art and Design, I have had the privilege of instructing art across generations and exhibiting my work at SURTEX®. Experiences like these have helped shape my understanding of the importance of preserving textile traditions while fostering innovation in the field. TSA’s commitment to advancing textile knowledge and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration profoundly resonates with me.
Throughout my career, I have been passionate about fostering inclusivity, supporting the arts, and building connections across communities. My professional journey includes leadership roles in nonprofit management, program development, and cultural equity initiatives. Most recently, I worked to implement a strategic cultural plan aimed at cultivating an inclusive and sustainable creative economy. Last year, I was honored to be appointed by the Governor of Massachusetts to serve on the board of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. In addition, I serve on the Board of Directors for the Southeastern Massachusetts Visitors Bureau.
In previous leadership roles at the New Bedford Art Museum and Worcester Art Museum, I elevated the regional and national presence of organizations, forging meaningful partnerships such as with The Clemente Course in the Humanities® and hosted exhibitions such as Fiber Art Now’s Excellence in Fibers. I have also served as a grant panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
I am inspired by the incredible work TSA has accomplished over the years, and I am eager to build on this legacy. In the coming months, I look forward to meeting many of you, learning from your experiences, and working collectively to shape the future of this remarkable organization.
Thank you for your continued dedication to TSA. I am thrilled to embark on this journey with you and to weave new threads into the fabric of our shared mission.
Warm regards,
Ashley Occhino
Executive Director
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