ABOUT SHELLY
Shelly has the kind of experience that shows up in real life for the people of Moorhead. She’s spent years bringing people together, solving problems with common sense, and pushing for practical solutions that work for our community. She knows how to navigate state systems, build partnerships, and get things done.
Whether it’s strengthening schools, supporting local economic development, or providing programs that help our community thrive, she has done the work that proves she can deliver.
Her experience translates into action, and action is what Moorhead needs.
MAYOR ROLE
In early 2021, Shelly was unanimously appointed to fulfill the rest of former Mayor Johnathan Judd's term. She was officially elected as Mayor in November 2022. Prior to that, she represented Ward 2 on the Moorhead City Council.
Leading Moorhead Onward
Shelly’s tenure as mayor has been filled with progress toward building a bigger, better and safer Moorhead for everyone. A few of the accomplishments she is most proud of include:
- $500 Million Downtown Moorhead Revitalization
- $41 Million for New Community Center/ Library
- 20/21st Street and 11th Street Underpass Projects
- $10 Million Romkey Park/Moorhead Pool Reimagining
- Secured Remaining $431 Million in Federal Funds as Board Chair for the FM Flood Diversion Authority
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Since 2016, she has worked at the Minnesota Elder Justice Center as a Criminal Justice Systems Manager. In this role, she provides systems advocacy, project coordination and training to criminal justice and community professionals on the topics of elder abuse, domestic violence and crime victim rights.
Over the course of her 30-year career, she has focused on crime victims' issues and has lobbied for legislative changes for domestic violence and sexual assault victims. She also is a nationally recognized expert in coordinating multi-disciplinary teams for cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse. This work translates into an ability to bring people together to work out complex issues, a skill she uses to serve the people of Moorhead.
BOARD PARTICIPATION
Shelly serves on the following boards and committees:
- The Coalition of Greater MN Cities
- Board Member, 2022-Present
- 1st Vice-Chair, 2023
- Chair, 2024
- League of Minnesota Cities Board Member
- Metro Flood Diversion Authority (MFDA)
- Board Member, 2020-Present
- Finance Committee, 2021-Present
- Planning Committee, Board Chair, 2021 and 2024
- Moorhead Clay County Joint Powers Authority Board
- Red River Regional Dispatch Authority Board
- Vice-Chair, 2023
- City of Moorhead Board of Appeals & Equalization
EDUCATION
Shelly earned a Master's degree in Public, Human Services, and Health Administration from Minnesota State University - Moorhead (MSUM) in 2006, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal from MSUM in 1993. She is also a graduate of the National Victim Assistance Academy.
Shelly and her husband Ron live in Moorhead and have 2 adult children, McKinnon and Jordan.