Ashley Smith is originally from Illinois and serves as the Research Director for the TNDAGC. In addition to her extensive analysis and research experience, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and received her Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice Policy from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

She served as a Crime Analyst for the Murfreesboro Police Department beginning in December 2019. She was later promoted to the Director of the Crime Analysis Unit in July of 2022 to December 2023. Prior to her time at TNDAGC, she served as a Research Analyst contracted to the Drug Enforcement Administration in Saint Louis, Missouri. She also currently serves in the Illinois Army National Guard as her Battalion’s Intelligence Sergeant and has been in the National Guard since April 2017.

Ashley currently resides in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and loves spending time with her son and their dog, Bella.