Ashton James Hayward III (born April 15, 1969) is an American real estate developer and politician who served as the 62nd mayor of Pensacola from 2011 to 2018. He is currently the president of the Andrews Research and Education Foundation.[1] He was the first mayor elected under the "strong mayor" form of government adopted in 2009, which shifted the mayoral duties away from a ceremonial leader to that of the city's chief executive and decision-maker.[2][3]
Ashton Hayward | |
|---|---|
 Hayward in 2015 | |
| 62nd Mayor of Pensacola | |
| In office January 10, 2011 – November 27, 2018 | |
| Preceded by | Mike Wiggins |
| Succeeded by | Grover C. Robinson IV |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Ashton James Hayward III April 15, 1969 Pensacola, Florida, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Anneken "An" Hayward
(m. 1996) |
| Children | Aiden |
| Residence(s) | Pensacola, Florida, U.S |
| Profession | Real estate developer, politician |
Early life
editHe was born and raised in Pensacola, graduating from Pensacola Catholic High School in 1987. Hayward earned his bachelor's degree at Florida State University. While in college, he took a break from studies in Miami, where he met his future wife, Belgian-born An (married 1996).[4] For many years, Hayward and his wife lived in New York City, returning to Pensacola in 2003 to start a real estate development firm.[5]
Political career
editIn 2015, Hayward was appointed to the Florida Commission on Community Service by Governor Rick Scott.[6][7] During his time in office, he also rebranded the City of Pensacola with a new slogan, "Pensacola: The Upside of Florida" which also included stronger economic development efforts.[8]
References
edit- ^ "Former Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward joins Andrews Institute foundation". Pensacola News Journal. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
- ^ "'Renaissance Mayor' Embraces Reform in Pensacola". Huffington Post. 8 September 2015. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
- ^ "Punch Line No More". Business Observer Florida. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
- ^ "Both Haywards featured in latest Chico's catalog". Studeri. Archived from the original on 17 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
- ^ "Mayor's race a study in contrasts". Pensacola News Journal. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
- ^ "Hayward appointed to Volunteer Florida". PNJ. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
- ^ "Hayward appointed to state volunteer board". Pulse Gulf Coast. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
- ^ "Pensacola: The Upside of Florida". 850 Magazine. 7 February 2013. Retrieved 15 January 2018.