City Manager

Ashley Combs was appointed the city manager on March 4, 2025.

Ashley Combs is an accomplished public servant with over 15 years of experience across both public and private sectors. Since joining the City of Middletown in 2015 as a City Planner, she has progressed through several leadership roles, including Planning Director, Development Services Director, Assistant City Manager, and most recently Acting City Manager.

In her role as Assistant City Manager, Combs provided strategic oversight for several key departments including Community and Economic Development, Human Resources, Information Systems, the Middletown Event Center, and Communications. Her work is guided by a deep commitment to building vibrant, inclusive communities, strengthening civic engagement, and ensuring local government meets the evolving needs of residents and businesses.

Combs holds a Bachelor of Urban Planning and a Master of Community Planning from the University of Cincinnati. She has earned a Historic Preservation Certificate from the University of Kentucky and a Public Management Certificate from The Ohio State University. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership with a focus on Public Administration at the University of the Cumberlands.

Professionally, Combs is a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), the American Planning Association (APA), and the Ohio City/County Management Association (OCMA). She is also actively engaged in community services through the Rotary Club of Middletown and the Kiwanis Club of Middletown.