Ashley Sedlak-Propst: Investing Her Expertise

In Cabarrus County, the strength of the community is reflected in the people who step forward to serve. For Ashley Sedlak-Propst, that service takes many forms. As a nonprofit consultant, historian, and volunteer Program Manager for Board Services with the Greater Cabarrus Foundation, she is passionate about helping organizations grow stronger so they can better serve the people who call this place home.

Ashley began volunteering with the Foundation in March 2025 after learning about its mission to focus exclusively on the needs of Cabarrus County.

“When I found out there was a foundation specifically dedicated to supporting the nonprofits right here in Cabarrus County, I was so excited,” she says. “Nonprofits are my passion and seeing what GCF was doing to make a difference right off the bat, I wanted to be part of it.”

Through the Board Services program, Ashley partners with the Foundation’s team to help local nonprofits strengthen governance, recruit diverse and effective board members, and build long-term sustainability. Her work is rooted in the belief that strong leadership behind the scenes leads to stronger impact in the community.

“Effective board development ensures strong leadership, mission focus, and long-term sustainability,” she explains. “A well-developed, diverse board working closely with staff can set a nonprofit up for lasting success.”

A Place That Feels Like Home

Originally from Marshall, North Carolina, Ashley moved to Cabarrus County in 2014 and quickly found a sense of belonging. What stands out to her is the unique balance the county offers.

“Cabarrus County is a beautiful blend of big-city opportunity and small-town neighborliness,” she says. “You have the diversity, the growth, and so much to do, but you still have that front-porch feeling where people look out for one another.”

That spirit of care is what makes the community special to her.

“It’s the small-town friendliness,” she adds. “Even as we grow, people are still stopping to help their neighbors and welcoming others in. This is a community that puts people first.”

From exploring local trails with her husband, Bradley, and their two dogs, Strider and Wynnie, to connecting with nonprofit leaders across the county, Ashley sees Cabarrus County as a place where relationships matter and collaboration thrives.

Strengthening Nonprofits, Strengthening Community

In her professional role as an Associate with moss+ross, a Raleigh-based nonprofit consulting firm, Ashley works with organizations across North Carolina. That statewide perspective gives her a clear view of the challenges nonprofits face and the opportunities that come with strong leadership and community investment.

“Nonprofits change the world,” she says. “They see a need and find a way to meet it, often in places where others cannot. When we invest in their leadership and capacity, we are investing in the health and future of the entire community.”

She has seen Cabarrus County’s collaborative spirit firsthand. Events like the Cabarrus Arts Council’s Breakfast for the Arts and Cooperative Christian Ministry’s annual Nonprofit Workshop bring together people and organizations from across the county to support one another rather than compete.

“That kind of collaboration is incredible,” Ashley says. “It shows that nonprofits here are united around a shared goal of making this community better.”

A Catalyst for Connection and Growth

Ashley believes the Greater Cabarrus Foundation plays a vital role in that collaborative ecosystem.

“GCF is a catalyst for identifying the greatest needs and connecting the right people to meet them,” she says. “They’re giving visibility to organizations people may not have known about and helping strengthen nonprofits so they can have an even greater impact.”

One of the most meaningful moments in her volunteer experience so far was participating in a nonprofit workshop that brought together leaders from across the county.

“Seeing that many people in one room, all representing different organizations and working toward the same purpose, was incredibly inspiring,” she says. “It showed collaboration in action.”

Looking Ahead with Hope

As Cabarrus County continues to grow, Ashley sees tremendous opportunity for the nonprofit sector. A larger, more diverse population means more volunteers, more ideas, and a broader base of support for the organizations meeting critical needs.

Her hope for the future is rooted in the same thing that first drew her to the community.

“The people,” she says. “It’s the blending of cultures, the old with the new, and the number of individuals who are stepping up to get involved and make a difference.”

For Ashley, the message to the community is simple and heartfelt:

“Local is best. If you want to see real, on-the-ground change, support your local nonprofits. Volunteer locally, donate locally, invest locally. That’s how we create lasting impact right here at home.”

Through her volunteer leadership, professional expertise, and deep belief in the power of community, Ashley Sedlak-Propst is helping ensure that the organizations serving Cabarrus County are strong, sustainable, and ready for the future. And in doing so, she is a living example of what makes Cabarrus County great.