Ashton Franklin is a Member Relations Associate for the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. In this role, he works with investors and stakeholders across the 14-county, bi-state Charlotte Region, helping organizations maximize the value of their membership while fostering strategic connections that support economic growth and regional prosperity.
Originally from Canton, Michigan, Ashton relocated to Charlotte and quickly immersed himself in the region’s vibrant business and community landscape. Shortly after moving, he co-founded Brews & Bros, a networking initiative designed to bring together young professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders through meaningful conversations and authentic relationship-building experiences.
“Moving to Charlotte gave me a firsthand appreciation for how welcoming and collaborative this region is,” he said. “Building relationships through initiatives like Brews & Bros reinforced my belief that strong communities and thriving economies are built when people intentionally create opportunities to connect, collaborate, and support one another. At the CLT Alliance, I have the opportunity to help strengthen those connections on a regional scale.”
Prior to joining the CLT Alliance, Ashton built experience in marketing, communications, and operations management. He spent time with Amazon, where he developed expertise in operational excellence, process improvement, and team leadership within one of the world’s largest and most complex organizations.
His professional background also includes project management, marketing operations, digital communications, and stakeholder engagement, giving him a unique perspective on supporting businesses of all sizes.
Ashton earned a Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications from Butler University in 2024. Outside of work, he enjoys building community through events, supporting local businesses, exploring Charlotte’s growing social scene, and connecting people with opportunities that help them succeed professionally and personally.
