Ashley Carpenter ('07)

Ashley Carpenter
Head of Portfolio Modernization at Vanguard
Class of '07

I’m a senior manager in the Chief Technology Office at Vanguard, where I currently lead an enterprise-wide effort to modernize applications using cloud technologies. After graduating from Virginia Tech in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in computer science, I joined Vanguard's Technology Leadership Program. I was born and raised in Roanoke, Va. and currently reside in Glenmoore, Pa. with my husband, two young children, and standard poodle. During my collegiate years I played trumpet in the Marching Virginians and have a passion for Virginia Tech football. I spend my free time traveling to visit family, coaching my daughter in soccer, and enjoying craft beer. 

How did the department equip you for the ‘real world’...

As an entry-level software developer, I was ahead of the game with my knowledge of techniques like test-driven development that were not yet widely used in the industry. As my career progressed into leadership, I was grateful that we were required to take a public speaking course - not many computer science curriculums require this, and communications skills are a real differentiator in an IT career. 

Being a Virginia Tech alumna means...

Sharing a deep sense of pride, loyalty, and commitment to serve others with a community of Hokies around the world. It means everything from the joy and excitement when hearing the opening chords of Enter Sandman, to the pain in my chest when remembering April 16, 2007.

My fondest memory from my time in the department is...

Working for Layne Watson as a research assistant for several years. I enjoyed getting to know the advisors and members of the faculty through that position. 

My favorite memory as a Marching Virginian is...

My first time marching in our pre-game show - hearing the crowd roar when we formed the VT, jumping up and down for Enter Sandman, and then launching right into "Tech Triumph" while trying to catch my breath!

The work project/initiative that I’m most excited about is...

A multi-year, enterprise-wide effort to modernize Vanguard's portfolio of over 2,000 applications to cloud platforms and continuous delivery pipelines. There are many challenges to solve across people, process, and technology, but being successful will dramatically improve Vanguard's business agility, scalability, and client experience.