Ashley Nelle-Davis Promoted to Vice President of the Data Foundation

WASHINGTON, D.C. February 27, 2026 – The Data Foundation today announced the promotion of Ashley Nelle-Davis to Vice President. In her new role, Nelle-Davis will assume expanded leadership responsibilities across the organization's policy, member engagement, and coalition activities.

Nelle-Davis is the Data Foundation's longest-serving staff member, having joined the organization in its early years and grown into one of the most recognized leaders in the national data community. Throughout her tenure, she has been a determined and consistent champion for the Data Coalition members — building and sustaining a community of organizations committed to open data, financial transparency, and evidence-informed governance. Her career at the Data Foundation reflects a progression of increased responsibility, from Manager of Member Relations and Operations to Director of Member Services, Director of Special Projects, and most recently Chief of Staff.

"Ashley has been the connective tissue of the Data Coalition community for years," said Nick Hart, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Data Foundation. "She has built relationships, convened stakeholders, and advanced the work of our community with skill, persistence, and an unwavering focus on advancing effective solutions that make society better for everyone. Her deep understanding of both the people and the policy priorities that drive our mission makes her an extraordinary leader. This promotion is a recognition of the outsized contributions she has made — and a signal of the important role she will continue to play as the Data Foundation advances its work."

As Chief of Staff, Nelle-Davis led the Data Foundation's engagement on the Financial Data Transparency Act (FDTA), submitting comprehensive public comments to federal financial regulators and moderating public forums that convened experts from across government, industry, and academia. She co-chairs the Open Data Standards Task Force, has represented the Data Foundation at national convenings including the CDOIQ Symposium, EDM Association’s U.S. Public Sector Forum, and Women in Data - Federal U.S. Government Chapter. Throughout, she has been a visible and trusted voice for the data community's priorities before federal agencies, Congress, and the broader public.

Nelle-Davis holds a Master of Global Policy from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin and a B.S. from the University of Central Arkansas. She also holds a certification in Russian, Eastern European, and Eurasian Studies from the University of Texas at Austin.

###

About the Data Foundation

The Data Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. that champions the use of open data and evidence-informed public policy to make society better for everyone. As a nonpartisan think tank, we conduct research, collaborative thought leadership, and advocacy programs that advance practical policies for the creation and use of accessible, trustworthy data. Our activities proactively address emerging data-related needs in the country with the goal of devising realistic solutions, accelerating policy coordination, and advancing innovation. The Data Foundation is recognized by Candid Guidestar with the Platinum Seal of Transparency and received 4-Stars from Charity Navigator. To learn more, visit www.datafoundation.org. (LEI: 254900I43CTC59RFW495)

Contact

J.B. Wogan, Director of Communications, Data Foundation

Email: media@datafoundation.org 202-964-1120