Turnstone Creative co-founder honored for decades of storytelling and community leadership at the ArtsQuest Foundation’s 10th Anniversary Linny Awards.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. (Oct. 15, 2026) — Ashley Russo, co-founder and chief community and culture officer of Turnstone Creative, received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the ArtsQuest Foundation’s 10th Anniversary Linny Awards on Oct. 15 at the Musikfest Café at SteelStacks. The honor recognizes her contributions to storytelling, leadership and elevating voices across the Lehigh Valley.
Over a 25-year media career, Russo has helped nonprofit leaders, businesses and community organizations share their stories and connect with audiences. As an executive producer and entrepreneur, Russo’s work, along with her commitment to community service and mentorship, reflects her belief that stories can bring people together and create opportunities for others.
“I’m grateful for everything that has gotten me here — the people who took a chance on me, who taught me, and who continue to challenge me, ” said Russo. “I’m incredibly appreciative to be recognized for the work I’ve done, but I also see this as a reminder that there is still so much to learn. That’s what keeps me excited about what’s next.”
Russo founded ASR Media in 2012 and built a nine-time Emmy Award-winning video production company. In January 2026, ASR Media and Social T Marketing & PR merged to form Turnstone Creative, bringing strategic marketing, public relations, social media and content together with award-winning video production. As chief community and culture officer, she helps guide Turnstone’s community relationships and nurture its creative spirit and values.
“I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors throughout my life, and I think mentorship should go both ways,” said Russo. “I want to create opportunities for people to learn from me, but I also want to keep learning from the people around me. Every generation and every perspective brings something different to the table, and there is always something we can learn from one another.”
Her commitment to leadership extends beyond Turnstone and into the broader Lehigh Valley community. Russo grew up in a family that valued giving back and has carried that mindset throughout her career, volunteering and serving with organizations including Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, the Children’s Home of Easton and Northampton Community College’s Food and Wine Gala.
For Russo, the most meaningful legacy is not necessarily the businesses she has built or the awards she has received, but what others carry forward from the relationships, encouragement and opportunities shared along the way.
“I want to always pay it forward, and I hope that our team also pays it forward, and it becomes a multiplier effect,” Russo said. “Because that’s what really makes great leadership move from generation to generation.”
About Turnstone Creative
Turnstone Creative is a strategic communications, marketing and video production agency built to help organizations communicate with clarity and purpose.
Formed through the merger of two long-collaborating agencies, Turnstone brings together expertise in video production, marketing strategy, public relations, storytelling and content development under one integrated team. The agency also produces Fig Lehigh Valley, a quarterly publication helping brands share their stories, connect with their audiences and strengthen their community impact.
Turnstone works with businesses and nonprofits that value thoughtful strategy, strong creative and long-term partnership.
Visit turnstonecreativellc.com to learn more.
Information provided to TVL by:
Grace Levy
