Ashley Swazey

Ashley Swazey is an experienced hospitality leader with over a decade of expertise in team management, guest services, and operational excellence. She currently serves as Assistant Director of Housekeeping at 1 Hotels in Nashville, where she oversees daily operations, develops confident and knowledgeable teams, and ensures the highest standards of service and guest satisfaction. Known for her strong leadership and attention to detail, Ashley has built a career dedicated to creating welcoming environments where both guests and employees thrive.
Before joining 1 Hotels, Ashley held leadership roles with JW Marriott, Gaylord Hotels, and UnCruise Adventures, where she gained extensive experience in housekeeping operations, customer service, and event supervision. From opening large-scale hospitality venues to mentoring teams in fast-paced environments, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to efficiency, teamwork, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Ashley studied creative arts at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles and combines her background in the arts with her passion for hospitality to bring creativity and empathy into her leadership style. With a career built on collaboration, mentorship, and service excellence, she continues to inspire her teams and contribute to the success of world-class hospitality brands.
• New York Film Academy
• Buddy for life and starlight donation
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to starting out in the cruise industry, moving into hotels, and building a career as a manager who leads with positivity, keeps my team motivated, and finds joy in meeting new people from all different backgrounds.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to work hard for what you want.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field is ensuring the hotel is well-maintained, operations run smoothly, and every guest leaves happy.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are working hard while staying balanced, enjoying the outdoors, music, and movies, and spending meaningful time with friends and loved ones.