Shelley A. Davis is a leader with more than 25 years of experience helping mission-driven organizations strengthen their governance, plan for leadership transitions, organizational culture, and build long-term sustainability. Her work is anchored in a deep belief that access, equity, and opportunity should be within reach for all families and communities.

Shelley began her career in crisis intervention counseling and policy advocacy before moving into philanthropy, shaped by graduate studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago and early career positions at The Field Foundation, The Ford Foundation, and The Joyce Foundation. These experiences cemented her commitment to stewarding resources responsibly and partnering with communities to create lasting change.

She has held significant leadership roles across the sector, including Vice President at the Chicago Foundation for Women and inaugural Executive Director of the Forest Preserve Foundation. Most recently, as President and CEO of The Coleman Foundation, Shelley led a $200M institution through its first strategic plan, governance strengthening, and focused grantmaking of over $10M annually to advance entrepreneurship, health, and disability inclusion.

Today, Shelley serves as a fractional nonprofit executive and governance advisor through South Shore Synergy, where she supports organizations navigating succession planning, leadership transitions, talent systems, and culture change. She also serves as Senior Consultant to the Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois, helping grantee organizations enhance executive leadership and board effectiveness.

Shelley’s civic leadership includes serving as a Trustee of Lawrence University and as a Partner with SVP Chicago. She previously served for a decade as an Illinois Commissioner of Juvenile Justice and as Chair of the Albert Pick Jr. Fund (2016–2025). She is also a member of the Economic Club of Chicago and the Chicago Chapter of the Private Directors Association.

She occasionally lectures at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business’s Rustandy Center for Social Innovation, where she mentors graduate students on how nonprofits and philanthropy influence public policy.

Recognized as a Top Philanthropist by Better Media Group and named to Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Black Leaders and Who’s Who lists (2022–2024), Shelley brings both expertise and heart to every engagement. She lives in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood with her husband and two young adult children and finds joy in storytelling, biking, swimming, yoga, and travel.