Meet Amy Holloway

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Amy is the driving force behind Aha!, dedicated to unifying local leaders around impactful economic and community development strategies. ​

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Before founding Aha!, Amy served as a partner and national director of economic development at Ernst & Young (2020-2024) and founder and president of Avalanche Consulting (2005-2020). 

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Throughout her 30-year career, Amy has shaped successful economic development strategies for over 200 communities, ranging from small towns to major metropolitan areas and states. 

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Known for her skills as a facilitator who has engaged thousands of stakeholders throughout her career, Amy has an energetic, fun and welcoming style. Her approach fosters “aha!” moments that build trust and inspire breakthroughs.

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She is the author of Trust Builders™, a #1 bestselling book and practical guide to building trust among local leaders.

 

She served as Practitioner-in-Residence at Harvard Kennedy School Reimagining the Economy Project in 2025 and 2026. Amy holds BBS and MS degrees in economics from Baylor University. Amy has served on numerous nonprofit boards and was named one of Austin's top five most influential women. She lives in Asheville, North Carolina, and in her free time, she enjoys hiking, biking, painting and teaching Pilates.

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How Amy works

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• Working hand-in-hand with community leaders to craft a strategic plan that aligns goals, strengthens trust, and leads to more thriving communities

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• Energetically and inclusively facilitating listening sessions with hundreds of stakeholders to gain insights, form a vision, and uncover priorities and project ideas

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• Leading teams of researchers, futurists, industry analysts, and other subject matter experts to bring additional perspectives and craft implementation tactics

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• Bringing deep experience and leading practices from a 30-year career as a prominent strategist who has worked with some of the top performing economies in the country

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