College Advancement Team

Dr. Ashley Whaley

Senior Director - BSH, Office 121

Ashley Whaley is the Senior Director of College Advancement at Hagerstown Community College and has over 13 years of experience at HCC, with seven years in development. She holds an Associate of Arts in psychology from Hagerstown Community College (’06), a Bachelor of Social Work, a Master of Social Work, and a Doctorate of Social Work. Ashley is particularly passionate about the Sioda Scholarship Program through the HCC Foundation. This program, which aided her during her own studies at HCC, remains close to her heart as she works to ensure it continues to empower future students. Outside of her professional commitments, Ashley finds fulfillment in rescuing, fostering, and adopting animals.

Jessica Bowman

Director of Grants Development - BSH, Office 126

Jessica Bowman is the Director of Grants Development at Hagerstown Community College. She has over seven years of experience in non-profit work in the local community, previously working at the Humane Society of Washington County. She holds an A.A.S. in sociology from Hagerstown Community College (’19), a B.S. in sociology from Shepherd University, an M.S. in public policy and administration from McDaniel College, and is currently pursuing her Ed.D. in public health from the American College of Education. Jess is most passionate about helping the local community gain access to higher education through HCC Foundation scholarship awards. Jess enjoys spending time with her husband and family on the river and going on runs with her adopted dog, Lainey.

Cheyenne Herson

Development Coordinator - BSH, Office 129

Cheyenne Herson is the Development Coordinator at Hagerstown Community College. Her professional experience includes working as an events assistant at the Maryland Theatre and as the development manager at the Children’s Chorus of Washington. She has a B.A. in arts and entertainment industries management from Rider University. She is very passionate about the HCC Foundation’s Halo Fund that supports a variety of emergency needs for students. In her free time, she enjoys reading, volunteering, and spending time with her cat, Sushi.

Kristin Johnson

Development and Communications Coordinator - BSH, Office 137

Kristin Johnson is the Development and Communications Coordinator at Hagerstown Community College. After earning her B.A. in English from Towson University, she taught English, journalism, and publications at Urbana High School for seven years before shifting her focus to student advocacy at the collegiate level. Having witnessed firsthand how emergency assistance can be a lifeline for students in crisis, she is passionate about the Angel Fund, a resource that helps students cover living expenses and urgent financial needs. Outside of work, Kristin enjoys writing, traveling, and spending time with her chihuahua, Rio.

Lisa Stewart

Coordinator of Alumni Relations - BSH, Office 132

Lisa Stewart is the Coordinator of Alumni Relations at Hagerstown Community College, with over 34 years of experience in the office. She holds an A.A. in general education from Hagerstown Junior College (’79) and a B.A. in psychology from Shepherd University. Lisa is dedicated to enhancing the Hagerstown Community College Alumni Association Scholarship Fund of the HCC Foundation. This fund provides annual scholarships for the children and grandchildren of alumni to attend HCC. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys traveling, reading, spending time with family and friends, and caring for her two rescue pets.

Karen Walker

Advancement Operations Coordinator - BSH, Office 117

Karen Walker is the Advancement Operations Coordinator at Hagerstown Community College. After starting her professional career as a teacher, she discovered a passion for non-profit work and has spent over 15 years working in non-profit organizations, primarily as an early childhood education administrator. She was particularly drawn to HCC because of the Foundation and its commitment to raising scholarship dollars for students. Outside of work, Karen enjoys reading, singing, and spending time with her husband and two teenaged children.