Vermont Business Magazine The Board of Directors of Special Olympics Vermont announced today the appointment of Melissa “Missy” Siner Shea as the new President & CEO of Special Olympics Vermont (SOVT) effective February 1, 2019. Shea joins Special Olympics Vermont after four years as the Executive Director of the Wellesley College Alumnae Association. There, she was responsible for developing and articulating the strategic direction of the organization with a $2.2M budget and staff team of 15. Shea managed alumnae relations for a women’s network 35,000 members strong.
During her time as Executive Director, she oversaw several innovative initiatives, including the creation of a mentoring and networking platform for students and alumnae, impactful diversity and inclusion work, and record attendance at numerous events. Her collaborative work in alumnae engagement contributed to the successful achievement of a historic $500M capital campaign one year early, with an alumnae participation rate of 70%.
Melissa “Missy” Siner Shea, President & CEO of Special Olympics Vermont
“Missy has a proven record of success in organizational management, sports programming and leadership which will ensure our athletes, Unified Partners and families will have a strong advocate for them.” said Bobby Torney, Special Olympics Vermont Board Chair. “She will serve our Program and stakeholders exceptionally well. I speak for the full board and staff when I say that we are really looking forward to working with her.”
Prior to her time at Wellesley, Shea worked as the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid for the Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, CT. A lifelong Vermonter, Shea has held leadership and teaching positions at Green Mountain Valley School, at Sugarbush Resorts as VP Recreational Services and at Mad River Glen Ski Area, first as a ski instructor and later as the Director of Skiing from 1998-2001.
Shea began her career as a paraeducator, teacher, and coach at Harwood Union High School, and served for 11 years on the Waitsfield Elementary School Board.
“I am honored to be joining the team at Special Olympics Vermont in this leadership position,” said Shea, “I have a deep respect for our athletes, coaches, partners and volunteers, and I am looking forward to working together to build greater awareness and inclusion in Vermont. I am excited to pursue a bright future of new opportunities with Special Olympics Vermont, and I can’t wait to come home!”
Shea is an alumna of Wellesley College, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Education. She also earned her Master of Arts in Liberal Studies at Dartmouth College. She enjoys cycling, hiking, and skiing as well as farmers markets and cooking, and loves spending time with her two adult children and yellow lab.
Shea will take over from long-serving president and CEO Lisa DeNatale.
About Special Olympics Vermont
Special Olympics Vermont is part of a global movement that works year-round to foster the inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities by using the power of sport to showcase their gifts and abilities.
Source: South Burlington, VT – January 17, 2019. Special Olympics Vermont. For more information, visit www.specialolympicsvermont.org.