Ozark Greenways hires executive director

provided by Ozark Greenways Inc.

Ric Ashe is scheduled to start in the role early next year.

Ozark Greenways Inc. has hired a new executive director to lead the trail advocacy nonprofit.

Ric Ashe, a contract lawyer and trial attorney, is scheduled to start in the nonprofit role on Jan. 1, according to a news release.

"Ozark Greenways is at the forefront of improving our quality of life through its dedication to preserving natural landscapes and promoting active lifestyles," Ashe said in the release. "I'm honored to lead this organization into its next chapter and look forward to working with the community to enhance outdoor spaces for everyone."

Ashe said this morning that he intends to wind down his law firm, Ashe Law LLC, as he takes on the Ozark Greenways role. Ashe, who started his legal career in 2002, opened Ashe Law in 2017, according to the firm's website.

At Ozark Greenways, Ashe will succeed seven-year leader Mary Kromrey, who was hired as the Springfield office leader for engineering firm Own Inc. in June. Frisco Highline Trails Manager John Montgomery is serving as Ozark Greenways' interim executive director.

An avid user of area trails, Ashe will lead Ozark Greenways in its efforts to "ungap the map" by expanding and connecting the existing regional trail system, according to the release.

"Ric's passion for connecting people to nature, along with his experience developing creative strategies to solve complex problems, makes him the ideal leader to advance our mission to connect our community," said Krista Shurtz, president of the Ozark Greenways Board of Directors, in the release.

Ozark Greenways' roughly $616,000 in annual revenue is overseen by a 14-member board, according to past reporting. The organization was formed in 1991.