Ashli Nelson serves as the Head of Franchisee Sourcing and Recruitment for McDonald’s USA. In this role, Ashli is the external face of McDonald’s to future franchisee candidates.
Through external engagements, Ashli leads strategic sourcing and recruitment, and leads the strategy of identifying and establishing innovative sourcing and recruitment methods.
For the past 17 years, Ashli has worked in an array of government and civil service positions around the nation. She joined the McDonald’s brand in January 2019 to lead US Government Relations, Community Engagement, and Public Affairs for North America tasked with engaging with all elected officials, community groups, and McDonald’s Owner/Operators to drive legislation and improve brand reputation.
Prior to joining McDonald’s Corporation, Ashli spent nine years in the Chicago Mayor’s office where she served as a senior advisor to Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Mayor Daley in the areas of crisis management, strategy, public engagement, and public affairs. Throughout her time in the Mayor’s office, Ashli served as a volunteer National White House Advance Associate responsible for coordinating events and logistics for former President Barack Obama and First Lady Obama.
Ashli’s commitment to civic engagement is evident in her continued volunteer work and board appointments. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and proudly serves as the board president for the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. Ashli is a native of the South Side of Chicago and currently resides in the South Shore community when she is not traveling recreationally with family.
