Ashley Howat brings nearly two decades of leadership experience in hospitality, community building, and healthcare philanthropy. As Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at the Waterloo Regional Health Network Foundation, Ashley plays a key role in shaping and executing major fundraising campaigns that fuel innovation and improve care across the region’s hospitals.
She has helped secure some of the largest philanthropic gifts in local healthcare, always with a focus on relationships, strategy, and impact. Ashley began her career in the hospitality sector, where she served as General Manager of Wildcraft, one of Waterloo Region’s most recognized restaurants. There, she developed a deep appreciation for service, teamwork, and what it means to build community—skills that have translated powerfully into her current role in the non-profit sector. She is known for creating meaningful experiences that bring people together, including large-scale fundraising events like Scotland’s Yard Road Hockey Classic and Oktoberfest Family Breakfast. Ashley also co-led the Foundation’s rebranding and merger transition, helping align two legacy hospital foundations into one future-focused organization.
A proud hockey mom and active community volunteer, Ashley serves as a House League convenor with Waterloo Minor Hockey and is deeply committed to making sports accessible and inclusive for all kids. Her work is guided by a belief in the power of local action and the importance of showing up—for family, community, and causes that matter.
Ashley lives in Waterloo with her two children and brings her passion for collaboration, creativity, and community impact to everything she does.