Thunder Introduces New Community Relations Director

Wichita, KS (July 27th) - The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the Ottawa Senators and powered by Toyota, are excited to announce that the team has hired Ashley Barnett as the new Director of Community Relations.

"We are extremely grateful to add Ashley to our staff in this key role," stated VP of Ticket Sales and Community Relations. "Our new community outreach program is extremely vital to our success moving forward. Ashley's background fully supports our 501C3 initiatives along with our community education and outreach programs."

A native of Wichita, Barnett brings a great deal of experience to the Thunder. She previously spent three and half years serving as the Assistant Director of Development and Communications at Wichita Collegiate School, where she gained community relations, fundraising and public relations experience. Barnett successfully raised over $300,000 each year and managed content for various communication channels for the school. "I am so excited to join the Thunder organization," commented Barnett. "It's a passion of mine to give back to our community through sports. I grew up in Wichita and look forward to focusing my efforts on engaging the community by showing the positive impact the Thunder has in this city, both in and out of the rink." During her previous time at Wichita State University, she interned for the Athletics Department working Men's and Women's Basketball Champion's Club rooms and coordinated donation requests in the development office. Barnett continued her internship experience in New York while receiving her Master's in Sport Management. She led a successful community relations event, partnering with LeadDog Marketing Group and a local Boys and Girls Club in New York City. Barnett is also familiar with local volunteer organizations with her time as a Pre-Kindergarten Basketball coach for the Greater Wichita YMCA. Additionally, she gained sales experience as an Interactive Marketing Specialist at KWCH before joining Wichita Collegiate School. Prior to her community relations career, Barnett played college basketball at Drury University for two years and also coached middle school basketball and track programs for Wichita Collegiate. She attended Wichita State University where she received her M.E.D. in Sport Management. In her spare time, she enjoys running, coaching, and spending time with her husband, Marcus. The Thunder kicks off their 25th Anniversary season on Saturday, October 15th against the Tulsa Oilers. Season tickets are on sale now. Put down your $50 deposit per seat and pay it off all summer long. Contact a Thunder representative at the office today. Follow along with us on our social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter (@wichita_thunder), Snapchat (wichthunder), Instagram (Wichita_Thunder) and LinkedIn, presented by Wichita Brewing Company.

-Thunder-