CT Patch Candidate Profile: Ashby Dodge For RTM

FAIRFIELD, CT — The 2025 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Connecticut Patch asked local candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Candidate's Name:
Ashby Dodge

What office are you seeking?
RTM District 3

What town do you live in?
Fairfield, CT

Party Affiliation:
Democratic

Occupation:
Clinical Social Work Leader, Suicide Prevention Specialist, LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Advocate

Family:
Happily married to my spouse Chris for 16 years. Extremely proud mother to Sawyer (Age 11) and Sullivan "Sully" (Age 4). Sawyer attends Burr Elementary School and Sully attends Greenfield Hill Nursery School and the Fairfield Early Childhood Center. We also have one very good golden retriever named Tucker, as well as one very naughty yellow lab named Beau.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
No. However, I ran for RTM District 1 during COVID.

Why are you seeking this office?
After 20+ years of serving communities in New York City, I moved my heart and my practice to Fairfield, CT - not to step back, but to step forward.

In a moment when compassion, equity, and evidence-based leadership are being tested nationwide, I'm committed to standing firmly on the right side of politics: the side that believes in protecting people, expanding access to care, and building communities rooted in inclusion.

Change happens wherever we decide to bring our values to life. My move to Fairfield was about deepening local impact - supporting mental health, social justice, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy in a way that strengthens both individuals and the systems around them.

Fairfield is a beautiful community, and it's time to build a stronger culture of diversity, compassion, empathy, and justice.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The most pressing issues facing our community today center around better communication and more effective management. When we communicate clearly, manage responsibly, and steward our resources wisely, we build trust - the foundation of any thriving community.

By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and collaboration, we can ensure that every voice is heard, every dollar is used effectively, and every decision reflects the values and needs of the people we serve.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
What sets me apart is simple - integrity, authenticity, and leadership. They aren't just words I use, they are principles and values by which I live.

Throughout my career in mental health and suicide prevention, I've worked with some of the most marginalized youth in our country - from LGBTQIA+ young people to those navigating poverty, trauma, and systemic barriers.

These experiences have shaped how I lead and how I parent: with empathy, accountability, and a deep belief that every person deserves to be seen and valued. I don't just talk about inclusion and equity - I've built programs and policies that actualize them.

As a leader, I strive to bring people together, listen deeply, and to help create solutions that last.
My goal isn't just to hold a position - it's to make a difference grounded in compassion, evidence, and unwavering integrity.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
(Answered above)

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
With over 20+ years of experience in suicide prevention, crisis response, program administration, and clinical leadership, I've worked to transform systems to save lives.

My recent career highlights include:

- Senior Advisor for Suicide Prevention and Crisis Response for the Department of Defense - leading the suicide crisis response strategic direction for 2M+ service members and their families; collaborating with SAMHSA, HHS, and the VA.

- Senior Director of Operations for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Response Lifeline - managing 220+ crisis centers nationally, partnering with SAMHSA and HHS.

- Chief Clinical Officer at The Trevor Project - Directing 24/7 crisis intervention programs for LGBTQIA+ youth.

- Adjunct Professor of Social Work at Fairfield University, Master of Social Work Program. Teaching future clinicians systems of care, equity, and human connection.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Oooh- that's hard. There's been so much amazing advice.
A) Keep swimming.
B) Never stop believing that fighting for what's right is worth it.
C) If we build a system with the most marginalized people in mind first - the system will work for everyone.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am 100% in love with Fairfield and the people in it. During this period in history, I want to do whatever I can to work as a public servant to better our community, one issue and one conversation at a time.