Founding Principal Marcella Shelby

Dr. Marcella Shelby has over 20 years of experience working in community and economic development. As a nonprofit professional she has worked at the local, regional, state and national levels with nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and elected officials throughout the country. In addition to expertise in financial and policy analysis, she has experience in curriculum development, strategic planning, stakeholder development, community outreach and event management.

Marcella is a natural teacher and has served as an Assistant Professor at California Lutheran University ( Masters of Public Policy and Administration Program) and continues to serve as an adjunct faculty member at California Lutheran University, Dona Ana Community College, and the Ventura County Community College District. She has taught undergraduate economics, business statistics, and graduate public administration and research methods courses.

Marcella has served as a Business Advisor for the Small Business Development Center for Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, in collaboration with the Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County and is a volunteer consultant for Women's Economic Ventures.

Work Experience:

Marcella holds a Doctorate in Economic Development from New Mexico State University, a Masters of Public Administration and Bachelors of Science from Texas Tech University.