Admiral Farragut Academy is pleased to name a new Chair of its Board of Directors. Ashley Patterson Beaty will succeed Christian Wagner who is leaving the board after 10 years of dedicated service, 7 of which as Chair.

Patterson Beaty takes the helm as not only Farragut’s first female Chair but also its youngest. The historic college prep academy is confident in Beaty’s fresh ideas and strategic vision for the future of Admiral Farragut Academy. Ashley’s appointment comes as AFA embarks on a new strategic plan.

Outbound Chair Christian Wagner said, “Ashley is a proven achiever and leader, she is passionate about our school and its mission. Ashley is exceptionally well prepared to lead Admiral Farragut Academy into the next chapter of its storied history.” 

Ashley has 15+ years of experience spanning government relations, policy, and communications. Prior to Ardeidae Group, she was Vice President of Government  Relations and Public Policy at Ameresco (NYSE: AMRC) and served on its Disclosure Committee. Earlier in her career, she was a press secretary in the U.S. House of  Representatives and worked as a television news producer covering the White House and Congress for the Washington Bureau of Belo Corp. Ashley is also a recognized leader in national clean energy trade associations. 

“As a Farragut alumna, I am honored to be appointed as Chair of the Board of Directors and to continue a legacy of success led by fellow graduates Christian Wagner ‘82 and George Michel ‘49. For more than two decades, I have felt a deep and abiding passion for Admiral Farragut Academy. It is a privilege to serve the Farragut community and to help steward our unique mission to educate and prepare young leaders for tomorrow,” said Patterson Beaty.

Ashley also served as the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors and is on the Board of Trustees of the Farragut Foundation. In 2020, she co-led the international search for the new President and Head of School.

Patterson Beaty is a native of Treasure Island, Florida, and attended Farragut as a boarding student from 1996 to 2002. Ashley was among the earliest of young women to enroll after the school became coeducational in 1990. During her senior year, she served as Battalion Commander and was presented the MacArthur Cadet of the Year Award by the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications and a Master of Science in Broadcast Journalism both from Boston University. She resides in Washington, D.C.

Steeped in history, with alumni in the White House, on the surface of the moon, and in leadership positions around the world, Admiral Farragut Academy focuses on elite academics and outstanding personal leadership development.

Admiral Farragut Academy is a private, coed, international prep school located on the water in tropical St. Petersburg, Florida, close to beaches and a vibrant downtown harbor.