We are delighted to welcome Shelly Shaw as the new Area Director for UW–Madison Extension Dane County. Shelly brings a broad background in public health, with experience ranging from infectious disease epidemiology to leading community-based efforts that support healthy, active lifestyles for children. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from North Central College and her Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Minnesota, School of Public Health. Most recently, she served as Director of the Office of Community Health at the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. Across her work, she is guided by a strong commitment to prevention, community engagement, and elevating voices often missing in decision-making.
As Shelly steps into this role, she is also adjusting to a new season at home, with one child off to college and another not far behind. Outside of work, she enjoys slowly hiking the Ice Age Trail with friends and hosting dinners, often prepared by her spouse, Ian. She also shares her home with two dogs, Zuzu and Murphy, whose latest antics she is always happy to share. We are excited to have Shelly on our team and look forward to the leadership and perspective she will bring to Dane County.