Director of Public Affairs
Dana Vickers Shelley leads the SPLC’s efforts to inform and engage policy, media, advocacy and community audiences with respect to its work fighting hate and bigotry, and seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of society. During two decades of work in progressive communications, her causes and clients have included the Democratic National Committee, the NAACP National Voter Fund, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Hyams Foundation, and the D5 Coalition on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Philanthropy. As a senior appointee in the Clinton administration, Shelley served as deputy press secretary to Commerce Secretary Ronald H. Brown. As director of strategic communications at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Shelley was deeply involved in efforts to improve outcomes for children and families affected by racial and ethnic disparities within the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
Shelley holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree in public administration from American University’s Key Executive Leadership Program. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America, National Association of Black Journalists, Native American Journalists Association, and American Association of University Women.
Read our official announcement about Shelley joining our staff here.
Dana Vickers Shelley leads the SPLC’s efforts to inform and engage policy, media, advocacy and community audiences with respect to its work fighting hate and bigotry, and seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of society. During two decades of work in progressive communications, her causes and clients have included the Democratic National Committee, the NAACP National Voter Fund, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Hyams Foundation, and the D5 Coalition on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Philanthropy. As a senior appointee in the Clinton administration, Shelley served as deputy press secretary to Commerce Secretary Ronald H. Brown. As director of strategic communications at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Shelley was deeply involved in efforts to improve outcomes for children and families affected by racial and ethnic disparities within the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
Shelley holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree in public administration from American University’s Key Executive Leadership Program. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America, National Association of Black Journalists, Native American Journalists Association, and American Association of University Women.
Read our official announcement about Shelley joining our staff here.