Charlotte, North Carolina, United States, September 2025 – CRC Group has appointed Ashley Hargadon Johnston as its new Head of Talent Management and Operations. In her new role, she will oversee the company’s talent strategies and HR operations, ensuring alignment with CRC Group’s mission of progress, client-first service, and operational excellence across its specialty wholesale and underwriting businesses.
Ashley joins CRC Group from U.S. Bank, where she spent nearly four years in the Institutional Client Group. Most recently, she served as Project Manager, Business Development and Sales Enablement, driving strategic initiatives and operational improvements. Prior to that, she was AVP, Project Manager, Financial Institutions Group, where she focused on project execution, stakeholder engagement, and process optimization.
Before U.S. Bank, Ashley was with Wells Fargo for over three years, holding dual responsibilities as Business Support Consultant and Admin Manager. In this role, she contributed to process enhancements, operational leadership, and strategic support functions within the organization.
Her earlier career experience includes a tenure at Aberdeen Standard Investments as Senior Administrator – Global Product, North America, where she supported investment operations and product management. She also served as an Executive Assistant at Hebrew SeniorLife, providing senior-level administrative support.
Ashley began her professional journey in education, working at The Learning Project Elementary School as an Elementary Teacher and participant in the Teacher Training Internship Program. This foundation in teaching and leadership development continues to inform her people-centered approach to organizational management and talent strategy.
About CRC Group
CRC Group is a leading, fully independent specialty insurance distributor with a strong focus on brokerage and underwriting. The organization combines personalized service, data-driven insights, and innovative technology to provide value-driven solutions across markets. Its divisions—CRC Specialty, CRC Benefits, and CRC Underwriting—are united by core values of putting clients first, striving for continuous improvement, and doing things right. With its independent spirit and commitment to excellence, CRC Group continues to be a trusted partner for retail brokers, carrier partners, and clients worldwide.
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