A community of thought leaders and tastemakers shaping industry futures
Rolling Stone Culture Council, an invitation-only collection of thought leaders and business innovators from a variety of industries that shape culture and society, has accepted Ashley Deese to its unique community.
Deese, an Acting Director of Digital Media and Communications at the Smithsonian Institution’s Smithsonian Science Education Center in Washington, D.C. was specifically selected as one of Rolling Stone Culture Council’s newest members because of contributions to the digital media industry. Deese will join senior leaders in various industries that influence how global culture is shaped, including: art, entertainment, fashion, film, food and beverage, gaming, hospitality, media, music, sports, technology, television, and theater.
The Culture Council was formally launched in late 2020, and is an invitation-only community whose members and business accomplishments are reviewed and vetted for inclusion based on industry and thought leadership, contributions to their industry and society, and a willingness to help lead what’s next for music, arts, and related industries.
“In difficult times, our nation and world have always looked to music and the arts, and the cultures and industries that surround them, for direction and inspiration. The members of this community are exceptional, innovative, and true leaders. We look forward to the insights and thoughtful discussions that will come from them and this new business-based community,” said Scott Gerber, co-founder of Rolling Stone Culture Council. “We believe that this council brings together industry leaders with the right mix of expertise, passion, and energy to do great things and to make real contributions both to their own businesses and to the larger industries that surround music and the arts.”
Deese leads her digital media and communications team throughout the production and distribution of Smithsonian STEM products such as games, interactives, and videos for children around the world. Deese has produced internationally acclaimed and bestselling game apps for the Smithsonian such as “BumperDucks,” “Disaster Detector,” and “Showbiz Safari.” Deese’s app, “Morphy!,” received an honoree award by The Webby Awards in 2016. “Aquation: The Freshwater Access Game” was a 2018 nominee for The Webby Awards inaugural games category for Public Service & Activism. Deese was named to the 2019 Forbes 30 Under 30 list for her work at the Smithsonian. “Thank you Rolling Stone for inviting me to be a founding member of the Rolling Stone Culture Council,” said Deese. “Rolling Stone Culture Council’s thought leaders, tastemakers, and business innovators from a variety of industries will continue to shape culture and society for years to come. I’m beyond thrilled to be a part of this unique community.”
Members will share their ideas and expertise in a variety of settings inside the community, will contribute articles on the iconic publication’s online edition at rollingstone.com, and will participate in Expert Panels, which showcase and share member expertise in a broad range of subjects. Each member will also have an executive profile shared on the website.
Each member of this vetted network of decision-makers from some of the most successful companies in North America and Europe will be included in the members-only directory, receive leadership and business coaching, and have access to other members through a private forum to share thoughts, questions, ideas, and inspiration.You can view Deese’s executive profile here: https://council.rollingstone.com/profile/Ashley-Deese-Manager-Digital-Media-Smithsonian-Institution/dabf5c40-7a7d-4bc6-9b06-81b4f4d1216f
