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Board Chair, Albert Pick Jr. Fund

Shelley Davis’s story is one of purpose, passion, perseverance and the deep-seated belief that together, we can craft a more equitable and compassionate world. Her purpose is enabling access and opportunity to stabilize families and communities, which drives her dedication to helping individuals enter, grow and sustain their place in the middle class.

Shelley’s career of more than 25 years of non-profit and philanthropic sector leadership began in crisis intervention counseling and policy advocacy. Her graduate studies at the University of Illinois Chicago, combined with pivotal fellowships and roles at The Field Foundation, The Ford Foundation and The Joyce Foundation, shaped her into an effective and impactful grantmaker. These experiences instilled in her a profound respect for the privilege of stewarding resources to uplift communities, laying the groundwork for her future leadership roles.

Her tenure as Vice President at the Chicago Foundation for Women and as the inaugural Executive Director of the Forest Preserve Foundation exemplifies her dedication to the community, to issues that affect all women, and to creating inclusive spaces for all families. Most recently, Shelley served as President and CEO of The Coleman Foundation, a foundation with more than 200 million in assets focused on entrepreneurship, health, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Shelley led a team to develop a strategic plan that gave $10 Million annually.

Shelley's civic engagements, including her role as Board chair of the Albert Pick Jr. Fund and as a Trustee for Lawrence University, as well as a decade as an Illinois Commissioner of Juvenile Justice, further illustrate her commitment to societal betterment. Shelley has been recognized with the UIC Jim Marek Alumni Appreciation Award, as a Top Philanthropist by Better Media Group, and by Crain’s Chicago Business to the 2022 Notable Black Leaders and Executives and Who’s Who 2023 and 2024 lists.

Importantly, Shelley keeps herself healthy by biking, swimming, and studying yoga, and enjoys taking long walks and traveling. Shelley lives in Bronzeville with her husband and two teenage children.