Executive Director - Ashley Simpkins
Ashley Simpkins was named the first Executive Director of Del Mar Community Connections in 2023. In that role, she works with the Board of Directors to supervise the overall management, development, and strategic planning of the organization. Before joining DMCC in an administrative role in 2017, Ashley worked in pharmaceutical sales and served on charitable boards in her free time. She earned a BA in Psychology and a Certificate in International Studies from Binghamton University in 2004. She earned a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from NP Solutions/UMass Global in 2023.
Ashley lived in 5 states before she was 10 years old, but her family eventually settled in Syracuse, NY. In 2011, when she decided she didn’t want to live anywhere that experiences true winter, she moved to the San Diego area and made her home in Oceanside. In her free time, Ashley loves to travel internationally, read fiction, cross stich sassy phrases, and stand-up paddleboard.
Assistant Program Director - Kara Adams
Kara Adams is the Assistant Program Director of Del Mar Community Connections (DMCC). In her role, she oversees the organization's transportation programs, manages office administration, coordinates volunteers, assists in program development and implementation, and assists with community outreach. In addition to her position at DMCC, Kara also works at the San Diego Air and Space Museum, where she coordinates children's birthday parties and gives tours.
Prior to joining the DMCC team in August 2019, Kara gained extensive experience in the customer service and hospitality industries. She then served as the Museum Associate Coordinator of the Coronado Historical Association for three years, where she discovered her passion for working with nonprofit organizations. Kara earned her BA in Photography from Santa Fe University of Art and Design in May 2014. After relocating to San Diego and taking a break from school, she pursued her Masters in Nonprofit Administration online from North Park University, which she completed in December 2020.
Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, IA, Kara was instilled with a strong commitment to community service by her family, who regularly volunteered with Special Olympics Iowa. She carried her love of volunteering with her when she moved out of state, continuing to work with organizations such as the Santa Fe Humane Society, San Diego Comic Con, and the San Diego Humane Society.
Outside of her professional life, Kara enjoys embarking on new hiking adventures with her husband, Matt, and their two dogs, Bane and Harley. Additionally, she expresses her creativity through her work with resin art and by trying out new baking recipes in the kitchen. When she isn't being active or creating something new, Kara likes to curl up on the couch with a good book.