Shelly serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Humane Society of Charlotte and is a longtime nonprofit executive committed to building inclusive, values-driven organizations that lead with compassion and collaboration. With decades of leadership experience across Charlotte, Asheville, and Maryland, she brings a deep belief in community-centered solutions and the power of partnership to create lasting impact. Shelly holds a B.A. from the University of Maryland, College Park, and is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins University Nonprofit Management Program.

Throughout her career, she has guided organizations through periods of growth and transformation, including leading four major capital and facilities projects. She regularly speaks at national and regional conferences on nonprofit governance, leadership, and capital development. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in strong governance, shared responsibility, and creating spaces where people—and the communities they serve—can thrive.

Shelly has served on national and state nonprofit boards and is a founding member of the North Carolina Animal Federation. She also serves as an advisor to a Panama-based animal welfare organization, supporting mission-driven work through collaboration and shared learning. She is honored to support The Plus Collective’s commitment to love, equity, and community partnership in service of the LGBTQ+ community in the Charlotte region.

A Charlotte resident since 2001, Shelly shares her home with three beloved companions—Sergio, a standard poodle; Joey, a chi-weenie; and Rita, a long-haired chihuahua—and enjoys travel and the arts.