Each month the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office recognizes one of our exceptional employees. This month we would like to introduce you to Ashleigh Long! Ashleigh began her career with our office 15 years ago and is the current supervisor over the District Attorney’s office Financial Teams. Her job includes collecting money coming into the court, whether it be criminal restitution, court costs and fines, traffic tickets, solicitor fees, bail fees, and bonding fees. Ashleigh was born and raised in Citronelle, AL, and currently lives in Saraland. When she is not at the office she loves reading, listening to true crime podcasts, and spending time with her two beautiful daughters Jaynie and Olivia!
What is the most rewarding thing about your job?
When I first took this job, I didn’t realize how important a financial department was to a District Attorney’s Office. I am able to help victims of crime get compensated for their hardships and make them feel that the system has worked for them. It is inspirational to be able to work for an organization that allows me to make a difference in my community.
What have you gained from working at MCDA?
When you work somewhere for 40-plus hours a week, you are with those people more than almost anyone else in your life. I would say I have definitely gained the best work-family you could hope for and made some of my best friends at this job. I have literally grown up with some of them, and I appreciate that they have been there for me for some of the most major milestones in my life.
How do you stay positive at work?
I truly love my job, and when you love your job, it makes it so much easier to stay positive at work and do the best job that you could do.
What advice would you have for someone beginning a career in the criminal justice system?
The best quote I’ve seen that really hit home for me was “Stay compassionate, but avoid compassion fatigue”
Has there been anyone in your life that has influenced you personally or professionally?
My mother has been a paralegal for 40-plus years so she was quick to give me my “what to do and what not to do” advice when starting my career. Of course, my mother is my best friend and is the one that gives me the “do’s and don’t’s” in all aspects of my life; and I can say, for the most part, she is usually never wrong.
What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work?
When I am not at sporting events with my girls, you can usually find me doing charity work with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Any local event I can find that is associated with St. Jude, I try to get involved and help out in some way. I am a former patient of St. Jude Hospital and was a patient there for 20 years so it is important to me to now be able to give back, and to show my girls how important it is to give back to others as well, whether it is monetary or just your time. I am also addicted to a good concert!
Are there other interesting facts about yourself that you would like to add?
If I could meet anyone in this world it would be Adam Sandler. I have this slight obsession with him for some reason! Also, my dream vacation would be to travel to London, England!