(City of Industry, CA) — Effective May 1, 2025, SHPE Research & Impact executive Ashleigh Tierney, MEd will serve as Chief of Staff for SHPE, reporting directly to CEO Suzanna Valdez Wolfe. She assumes this role as Ernesto “Ernie” Felix steps down to enjoy his much-deserved retirement.
Ashleigh’s dedication to the SHPE mission will serve her well as she leads a multifaceted portfolio that includes member services and programs for undergraduate students and professionals, as well as regional leader initiatives. She is committed to empowering SHPE members to form meaningful, goal-aligned connections that support them throughout their education and professional journeys.
About her new role, Ashleigh says “I am honored and excited to step into the role of Chief of Staff at SHPE. In my four years with SHPE, I’ve had the honor of seeing my work have a direct, positive impact on the lives of talented students and professionals in STEM. I’m grateful for this opportunity to grow my contributions and further empower our members to achieve their highest potential through tailored, data-driven strategies.”
Using an asset-based and analytical approach, Ashleigh is dedicated to tailoring best practices to meet the unique aspirations and needs of SHPE stakeholders. Her experience in higher education means she knows first-hand the strengths and capabilities SHPE members bring, driving her to facilitate their success. And her insights into higher education and workforce development are also instrumental in shaping innovative programs and initiatives in collaboration with industry partners.
Ashleigh earned her BS in Biological Engineering from Kansas State University, where she actively contributed to the Women in Engineering and Science program. She also holds a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration, Graduate Certificate in Institutional Research from Pennsylvania State University, and a Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and two children.
We also extend our gratitude to Ernesto “Ernie” Felix who served as the SHPE Chief of Staff during a time of significant change for the organization. Ernie’s 27 years of prior experience at Intel, as well as his time on SHPE’s Board of Directors and Industry Partnership Council, made him the right person at the right time to support the SHPE staff through that change. His reputation as an innovative problem solver, trusted advisor, and collaborator has served SHPE well, with new human resources processes set up, engagement programs built, and team building practices put in place. He also played an integral role in the 50th anniversary celebration planning and execution, lending his unique SHPE experience and historical context to the team. But this isn’t goodbye! We know Ernie will continue to stay involved as a SHPE Lifetime member, generously lending his talents to his community as he always has.
“I’m very thankful to Ernie for his insight and steady support during my transition into the CEO role. His experience and knowledge made a meaningful difference,” says CEO Suzanna Valdez Wolfe. “I’m also excited to work alongside Ashleigh in this new chapter. Her leadership will help guide SHPE as we continue to grow and prepare for the next fifty years.”