Ashley Bland Manlove

Ashley Bland Manlove is a Partnerships Manager for Credential Engine. In this position, she manages state and regional projects, explores expansion opportunities, and supports program and partnership development.

Previously Bland Manlove represented Jackson County (District 26) in the Missouri House of Representatives. She was elected to her first two-year term in November 2018 and served for 6 years. Bland Manlove was dedicated to addressing the critical issues that are creating crises in her state. She focused on civic engagement and placed a priority focus on the education of young people in the urban core with an eye on the school funding formula and job development. She has two relatives that served in the state legislature. Her uncle is former State Rep. Craig Bland, and her grandmother is former House member and State Sen. Mary Groves Bland. Both Craig and Ashley served as Chairs of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus. Ashley is the first openly LGBTQIA+ person to do so.

Prior to serving in the legislature, Bland Manlove worked in the accounting industry, public and private sector. She also served as an intelligence analyst for the Missouri National Guard. She was recognized in 2013 with the Army Achievement Medal for outstanding service as an intelligence analyst.

Bland Manlove attended Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Ark., and Penn Valley Community College in Kansas City, where she received an Associates in Liberal Arts. She is a member of the National Black Caucus of State Legislatures and National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women.