Artificial Intelligence Consultant Ashley Gross Shares Details on Pittsboro Commissioner Candidacy

Ashley Gross, a candidate for the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners, is making headlines as an artificial intelligence consultant and advocate. With a burgeoning interest in local governance, Gross filed her candidacy in July, entering a competitive field of eight candidates vying for two available seats left by outgoing commissioners Pamela Baldwin and James Vose. As a resident of Chatham Park’s Vineyards neighborhood and the CEO of AI Workforce Alliance, Gross combines her professional expertise in artificial intelligence with a deep commitment to community.

In a recent email exchange with local media, Gross shared her vision for Pittsboro, aiming to connect the disparate elements of a rapidly changing community. “I see the push and pull between people who have called Chatham home for generations and those who are just discovering it,” she stated. This observation encapsulates the dualities people in Pittsboro face: the need to balance growth with tradition, new ideas with established values.

One of Gross’s primary motivations for running is to uplift small businesses. She embodies a pro-business ethos, believing that local entrepreneurship is crucial for maintaining economic resilience. She said, “Safe roads, modern emergency response systems, and preparation for the weather risks we face mean families can feel secure.” Underlying this commitment to safety is the idea that a strong community requires robust infrastructure—a sentiment echoed by many citizens concerned about the implications of rapid growth.

Gross also emphasizes the importance of local schools and partnerships with nearby colleges, aiming to reinforce educational resources in a community setting. While some of her objectives may fall more into the lap of county government rather than town government, her intentions reveal a holistic community vision. Furthermore, she advocates for expanded access to reliable internet—a critical component for modern business and education.

Moreover, Gross identifies as a researcher and experimenter by nature. She asserts that successful communities are built on collaboration. “I have seen that the most successful communities are built when people come together around shared interests and goals,” she said. This cooperative approach underlines her belief that leadership should unite rather than divide.

As Pittsboro continues its growth trajectory, Gross’s campaign reflects a desire to include voices from all walks of life before making policy decisions. “Every choice I make will be guided by a simple question: will this keep our families safe, connected, and thriving?” she expressed, conveying her commitment to a data-driven, community-focused leadership style.

Despite her enthusiasm and extensive vision for the town, Gross has made some missteps, such as mistakenly announcing her candidacy for a county commissioner seat instead of a town commissioner seat. This error raises questions about the level of awareness candidates have regarding the responsibilities and scope of the positions they seek.

Pittsboro voters will also see other names on the ballot, including Freda Alston, Alex Brinker, Corey Forrest, Candace Hunziker, Tobais Palmer, Nikkolas Shramek, and Tiana Thurber, each bringing unique perspectives and priorities to the race. The election date is set for November 4, 2025, with early voting beginning on October 10. Gross will need to harness her community connections and AI expertise to make a compelling case to voters amidst this competitive landscape.

In summary, Ashley Gross’s candidacy for the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners is representative of a new wave of leadership that intertwines modern technology, business acumen, and community engagement. Although she faces significant challenges—both from fellow candidates and the complexities of local governance—her focus on connection, safety, and economic vibrancy has resonated with many residents. As Pittsboro continues to evolve, Gross’s leadership style and priorities may provide a new direction that values harmony between tradition and innovation.

Ultimately, Gross embodies a broader trend of candidates who are increasingly using their professional backgrounds to influence local governance—an indication of how essential expertise and community passions are becoming in shaping policies for the future. Whether she can translate her vision into electoral success remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the conversation surrounding Pittsboro’s future is squarely in the spotlight.

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