# Kara Kelley

> Kara Kelley is the Fort Wayne-based co-owner, president and CEO of Asher Agency. She joined the firm in 2007, became president in 2016, and acquired majority ownership with CFO Megan Bennett in July 2022, returning Asher to independent local ownership. Her career combines retail franchise marketing, team leadership and community involvement; under the partners’ ownership, Asher received Indiana WBE certification in 2023 and federal WOSB certification in 2025.

- **Role:** Co-owner, President and CEO at Asher Agency
- **Organizations:** Asher Agency, Boyden & Youngblutt, Women’s High-Tech Coalition, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana, Le Tour de Fort
- **From:** Fort Wayne, United States
- **Education:** Marketing Management, University of Dayton, Bishop Luers High School
- **Known for:** Co-acquired Asher Agency in 2022, returning the firm to independent local ownership., Led expansion of Asher’s Subway account; its 2016 announcement reported 62 markets and more than 5,700 restaurants in 25 states, plus U.S. military bases abroad., Recognized in Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly’s 2016 40 Under 40.

## Career timeline

- **—** — Worked as an account executive at a boutique San Francisco Bay Area public relations firm and served on the Women’s High-Tech Coalition board.
- **2005** — Returned to Fort Wayne and worked as an account executive at Boyden & Youngblutt.
- **2007** — Joined Asher Agency.
- **2009** — Co-founded Le Tour de Fort, a Fort Wayne charity bicycle ride supporting veterans.
- **2016** — Named Asher president; recognized in Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly’s 40 Under 40.
- **2022-07-01** — Acquired Asher with CFO Megan Bennett; Ash Crest Corp. participated as a minority investor and adviser.
- **2023** — Asher received Indiana Women’s Business Enterprise certification.
- **2024** — Led Asher with Megan Bennett during its 50th anniversary.
- **2025-01-23** — Asher received SBA Women-Owned Small Business certification.

## Achievements

- Co-acquired Asher Agency in 2022, returning the firm to independent local ownership.
- Led expansion of Asher’s Subway account; its 2016 announcement reported 62 markets and more than 5,700 restaurants in 25 states, plus U.S. military bases abroad.
- Recognized in Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly’s 2016 40 Under 40.
- Recognized in KPC Media’s 2022 Influential Women coverage.
- Nominated for Greater Fort Wayne Inc.’s 2020 Champion of Change Awards.

## Latest updates

- **2025-01** — Asher received SBA WOSB certification on January 23, 2025.
- **2025-03** — Kelley described plans to bring Asher’s marketing work to federal agencies and their partners, while continuing to mentor women in business.
- **2024-06** — Asher celebrated 50 years in business; Kelley and Bennett led the agency as co-owners.

## Links

- Website: https://asheragency.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kara-kelley-373627164

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/kara-kelley
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-06