ashley-bell
Senior Strategist and National Director for African American Engagement for the Republican National Committee, Ashley Bell, has lived in Gainesville his entire life, leaving only to attend college. He attended Valdosta State University, with the exception of his sophomore year when he attended Howard University as a part of an intern program for Ga. Congressman Sanford Bishop. Ashley went on to law school at Louisiana State University and University of Georgia, then moved back to his home town.
“Being able to live in Gainesville and still shape national discussion is something I am very fortunate to be able to do,” he said.
When asked what was next for him and his career advancement, Ashley answered, “I didn’t think I would be where I am. Advancing could mean anything. There are so many ways to serve. I enjoy advocating for what I believe in.”
Ashley’s position requires an amazing amount of travel. He has logged an incredible 102,000 miles in the air in 2016! We thank Ashley for taking time out of his busy schedule to tell us more about his life and love for Hall County.
Question: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
Answer: “It was spring of my junior year of high school. I was very active in theater and I was asked to be in a campaign commercial for Lewis Massey when he was running for governor. When the commercial came out, my friends and I got together to watch it. They were all upset because I played a “bad” kid who was sent to boot camp and they all thought the punishment was too harsh. The issue made politics relevant to teenagers, because this was a law directly affecting us. I decided maybe I should pay attention to laws and politics & get involved.”
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Hall County and what do you love there?
A: “Atlanta Highway Seafood Market. I love the Creole catfish.”
Q: Who is one of the most interesting people you have met in Hall County?
A: “I would have to say Dan Summer (longtime Gainesville lawyer).”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
A: “Nice, France. My wife and I honeymooned there.”
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: “’Gone with the Wind.’ It validates my name.”
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A: “Enjoy the best of everyone around you.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “To take my family on a trip to Africa and to make time.”
Q: Name three bands you would like to see perform (dead or alive).
A: “Zac Brown Band, OutKast and Otis Redding.”
Q: What former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Hall County?
A: “Roses.”
Q: Choosing anyone alive and non-relative, with whom would you choose to have lunch?
A: “Martin Lawrence because it would be entertaining. We would go to Recess.”
Q: What is your favorite thing about Hall County?
A: “We are just far enough away from the big city to have our own identity and traditions but close enough to enjoy all it has to offer.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: “Mastering the art of growing a national law firm and being a nationally known commodity in politics without leaving Hall County. I can do it all from here.”
Interview by:  Rosemary Hancock
The Faces of Hall County is a project to showcase the amazing people that live or work in our community. If you would like to nominate an interesting person to be featured please email babernathy@gonorton.com.