Jill Ashton
Senior Vice President
Jill Ashton began her career in the retirement living industry in 1992 as a management associate working in a number of communities managed by Leisure Care. In 1994, she joined the Leisure Care corporate team as the assisted living director, overseeing the company-wide development and implementation of assisted living services. Transferring to the finance department in 1998, Jill was responsible for the coordination of new project development and financing. Promoted to senior finance director in 2001, Jill and her team were responsible for the annual budgeting process, market research, and management reporting.
In 2003, Jill joined Lytle Enterprises as vice president, where she was instrumental in the management of the real estate portfolio. Jill was promoted to senior vice president in 2007. Jill’s responsibilities include managing financing transactions, investment equity procurement, project cash flow, investment returns, strategic portfolio management, and lender relations. Prior to joining Leisure Care and Lytle Enterprises, Jill worked in accounting and taught mathematics. Jill holds a BA in mathematics and education from Whitworth College and an MBA from the University of Washington.
Ronald E. Smith
Vice President, Development
Ron Smith joined Lytle Enterprises in August 2007, where he oversees and directs acquisitions and development of the company’s portfolio and strategic investments. In this capacity, Ron solicits and reviews purchase opportunities, manages purchase and sales transactions, and oversees the entitlement process, contractors, architects, and engineers. Prior to joining Lytle Enterprises, Ron was part of the Lincoln Square development team for Kemper Development Company. Ron was brought on as vice president and general manager for Kemper Development and directed the development of Lincoln Square, the second largest mixed-use development in the country. Ron brings to Lytle Enterprises his extensive background in residential building and development and commercial real estate investment.
In addition to his experience in real estate, Ron was also mayor of the City of Bellevue from 1994 to 1996, serving as the city’s youngest mayor in history. He served on the Bellevue City Council from 1992 to 2000. Concurrent with his seat on the City Council, he owned and operated Kirkland Building Company, which he founded in 1989. His company built and developed residential communities throughout Puget Sound.
