2026-2027 Band Elections

Band Secretary- Ashley Dieter While I was a stay-at-home mom for ten years, I decided to build upon my associates degree in Accounting and enrolled at IU. I obtained a bachelor's degree in Business Finance, graduating within the top 10% and with high distinction. Upon graduation, I worked for Faurecia and quickly excelled to become the Global Financial Controller for the Fiat Chrysler division with oversight of +$437M in sales and +$60M in expenditures. I was on the 'fast track' for leadership, which meant less time with my family. Realizing a family / career decision was forthcoming, I decided to leave corporate and became the Finance and Operations Director for the Community Education Coalition. Part of my role is to oversee the Columbus Learning Center and the Advanced Manufacturing Center for Excellence on the AirPark Campus. Our organization supports and works closely with IU Columbus, Ivy Tech, Purdue Polytechnic, City of Columbus, CRH, BCSC, Airport, Heritage Fund, Chamber of Commerce and more throughout the county and region. Through my role, I sit on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce (most recently an Executive Committee Member), the CEC, and United Way. A committee member for the Edna Folger Teacher of the Year Award, BCSC 3-Year Calendar Committee, and lead the Annex Student Housing Committee on Campus. As a leader within the community, I've contributed to multiple stakeholder engagement sessions, strategic planning and vision for Columbus, as well as job growth, sustainability, and retainment of students and employees in our community. A large part of my role is to act as a convener and collaborator. My everyday language is bringing leaders together at the table to discuss their objective and to answer, 'what is it that we can do together, that we cannot do alone.' My husband, Jeff, and I have been band parents going on six years. For two years, we've had three children in band (Kylee-Drum Major / Kenzie - pit / Carmen - trumpet) and with Kylee graduated, we now have two. I've worked closely with many band parents and board members, as well as the directors to which we work well together and have been successful with working behind the scenes to make sure things are in place and tasks are done. Given my role within the community, I am able to make those connections and continue to build those relationships (on behalf of the band), while leveraging my position in order to strengthen the relationship of the community and the band program. Many students view me as an adult that they can confide in, talk to, and laugh with during long competition days! I'll listen to them and can help guide them while still making them feel seen. Having the privilege of being there for every competition or event... Whether as a chaperone, prop crew, pit and podium, or just as a runner for an event, has only strengthened the trust the students have with me and to have that opportunity to watch them grow in their music and as a person, has been the most rewarding part. Both Jeff and I are hands-on with the band program and have become a 'regular' with the students and directors. Jeff has even been dubbed 'The G.O.A.T' amongst many students! Together, with the other board members and directors, we can strive to take the band program to the next level.