The Alzheimer’s Association has recently promoted Ashton Houghton to the role of Executive Director for the South Carolina Chapter.
An established leader with a strong commitment to the cause, Ashton began her career with the Association nearly eighteen years ago as a Walk Manager in Charleston, SC. In her most recent role of Vice President of Development, Ashton oversaw all event staff and revenue development efforts across South Carolina, while also providing interim leadership for Walk to End Alzheimer’s staff in North Carolina.
“It will be the privilege of my career to lead the South Carolina Chapter, especially at this pivotal moment in time as we enter a new era of treatment,” said Ashton. “I’m so proud of all we’ve accomplished here in South Carolina, and I’m just so appreciative of our staff and amazing volunteers.”
This cause is deeply personal to Ashton, whose grandmother Martha Elizabeth Goldman passed away with Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s in 2006. She was diagnosed at the young age of 59, when Ashton was only in middle school.
“My grandmother was the cafeteria lunchroom manager at Goose Creek High School. She loved her job so much, and I’m sure that she had amazing plans for how she would spend her retirement,” said Ashton. “She absolutely loved her grandchildren, and we were all robbed of that time together. People should be able to live out their dreams and live out their golden years without being faced with a diagnosis like Alzheimer's disease.”
Soon after her grandmother’s diagnosis, Ashton saw the toll that this disease took on her entire family — not only on her grandmother, but on each family member stepping up to help with her care. That fueled her passion to get more involved with the Association, and she began participating in her local
Walk to End Alzheimer’s (known at that time as Memory Walk) with her family.
Years later, while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in public relations at the University of South Carolina, Ashton completed an internship with the Alzheimer's Association in the Columbia area and continued to volunteer during college. Shortly after graduation, she was offered a position as Walk Manager back home in Charleston. The rest was history.
“I have always felt drawn to the nonprofit sector,” Ashton said. “It’s been such an honor to align my passion for fundraising with an organization that is very meaningful to me personally. Every family impacted by dementia deserves access to FDA-approved treatments as well as vital information, support and local resources.”
The chapter’s previous Executive Director, Cindy Alewine, led the Association’s work in South Carolina for nearly 33 years prior to
her retirement at the end of June. The two have worked closely over the last several months to ensure a seamless transition.
Prior to her departure, Cindy shared, “I feel so confident passing the torch to Ashton. She has compassion and deep commitment to the people that we serve — to fighting this disease and to making people's lives better while they're going through it.”
“Cindy has taught me the importance of empowering individuals in their roles, and that hard work and perseverance pays off,” Ashton said. “Thanks to the commitment of our staff team along with
our passionate and talented volunteers across the state, we are moving our mission forward every day. Together, I know we will achieve great things on behalf of all South Carolinians who are impacted by dementia.”
As Executive Director, Ashton oversees the Association’s statewide efforts in care and support services, public policy, revenue development, public awareness and research initiatives. She lives in the Charleston area with her husband Scott and their two children, Connor and Caroline.
Come and say hello to Ashton at our
Walk to End Alzheimer's events across the state this fall!
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.™ For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.