How can I help?
Hi, I’m Shelley. I’m an organizational synthesist with 20+ years of experience leading small businesses and public sector organizations facing the challenges that come with growth, transition, and complexity.
Because I've worked across sectors, I bring solutions from places you wouldn't think to look.
I’m your leadership partner and the person you turn to when there’s too much to get done, but you still need to juggle it all. I solve complexity problems to bring structure and clarity to your team. I can help translate your vision into systems, build a sustainable infrastructure, and help guide your team through the messy work of change.
Do any of these sound familiar?
Examples of challenges I help solve
"We need business operations help, but I don’t have the time!"
Your HR and financial processes are informal or nonexistent. Hiring and onboarding happens differently every time. Team roles and responsibilities need clarity.
"We've outgrown our current way of doing things."
Processes that worked when you were 5 people are breaking down as you grow. Everyone is doing things differently and the lack of consistency is causing problems.
"Our team communication is unraveling."
Meetings feel unproductive and information is siloed. Miscommunication and lack of clear direction are impacting collaboration and decision-making.
How I Work
I meet you where you are.
Every organization is different. I start by listening, understanding your context, then identifying what's actually stressing you out.
I partner through the hard parts.
Growth and change are messy. I don't just hand you a plan and leave—I stay engaged, coach your team, and adapt as conditions evolve.
I deliver structure, not theory.
My work is grounded in implementation. You'll get frameworks you can use with clear processes that actually function.
I've done this work.
I've led operations for creative teams, run a nonprofit, served as a government industry liaison, and consulted as a strategic business partner. I know what it's like to sit in your seat.
What People Are Saying
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Shelley is one of those special people that has a diverse set of experience, especially in organizational design and process. She dives into complex problems with a people-centric approach. I believe her ability to do this work so effectively is due to her extremely high social and emotional IQ, which is unique and invaluable in any professional setting.
Juliana Lucasik
Public Affairs/Policy Consultant
Former Director of Communications and Public Affairs for Central City Concern -
Shelley was an invaluable extension of my creative team for the past four years. Through her counsel and support, my team (and the broader organization) were able to focus our delivery, get projects out to our clients more efficiently and on budget, all while ensuring the highest level of quality and client satisfaction. Her mix of big picture view, partnered with her attention to the small details makes her amazing at what she does. She’s a powerful resource to any team that is lucky enough to work with her.
Erin Bell
Former colleague and Director of Client Services at 3/Thirds creative agency
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Shelley is an exceptional leader who cares deeply about the success of others. I had the pleasure of working with her when she led the Portland Film Office. In this role she demonstrated the ability to see the big picture (a visionary) while at the same time effectively manage the politics of the position with an acute attention to detail. Most importantly she is an excellent communicator, who relies on a people-centric approach to build relationships and empower those she works with.
Chris Harder
Deputy Director/Economic Prosperity & Housing for City of Vancouver, WA
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Throughout our time working together, I’ve consistently seen Shelley demonstrate empathy and sound judgment in leadership. Whether in day-to-day interactions or steering the ship during tough moments, she knows how to keep things grounded while ensuring people feel heard, valued, and supported. She's also a good listener, always open to feedback and willing to engage in productive conversations that lead to the best outcomes.
Katie Peterson
Senior Account Director at Grady Britton
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Shelley is a dream colleague. She leads naturally by building trust with everyone on her team, establishing clear lines of communication and then creating the context for shared success. I've seen her step into projects at pivotal moments and get the whole team refocused and aligned around clarified roles, responsibilities and workflows. She manages to hold herself and everyone in her orbit to the highest standards while bringing a genuine, deeply human spirit to her work.
Sarah Costello
Founder, Summer Bunker LLC