Luke Ashley joined JohnsonPossKirby in 2017. The Shelbyville native grew up on a cattle farm and studied agriculture at the University of Tennessee before continuing his education at Emory University where he earned joint degree in law and seminary.

His first introduction to politics came in 2009 when he started working for the Tennessee General Assembly under Representative Pat Marsh. In 2011, he joined the Office of Governor Bill Haslam where he helped shepherd a broad range of the governor’s signature initiatives through the General Assembly, including teacher tenure reform, tort reform, the TEAM Act, the Prescription Safety Act and Tennessee Promise. 

Luke transitioned to the Department of Finance and Administration in 2016 under Commissioner Larry Martin. As a legislative liaison at F&A, he worked with Strategic Technology Solutions (STS), the Benefits Administration, and the Division of Budget alongside Commissioner Martin to achieve the department’s goals and facilitate a strong working relationship between the department and the General Assembly.

In addition to his work within F&A’s divisions, Luke played a significant role in preparing Haslam’s 2016 and 2017 budgets and shepherding them through the General Assembly. These budgets included the largest tax cut in state history, two debt-free budgets, and significant investments in recruiting jobs. 

In his time at JPK, Luke has leveraged his deep legislative experience, creating clear pathways to success for clients. Luke is passionate about serving the State of Tennessee and maintains his close roots to Shelbyville. Outside of work, he spends time with his daughters Ryall and Mackie and on his family farm where he raises Hereford Cattle.