Shelley R. O'Brien serves as the Director of Development for Women In Government. In this role she oversees fund raising efforts including grants from government agencies and private foundations. Shelley also handles the public relations efforts on behalf of the organization.

Ms. O'Brien has over 15 years experience in professional fund raising and consulting including work for the University of Kansas, William Jewell College, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, and various other non-profit organizations in the Midwest and in Washington D.C. She holds the designation of CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) with reaccreditation in 2007.

Shelley is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a B.A. in Communication Studies and Baker University (Kansas) with a Master's Degree in History. In her spare time Shelley is a community volunteer focusing on children's literacy issues with the Books for Bright Futures Program in D.C. and the Junior League of Washington. Shelley, her husband, and stepdaughter reside in Ashburn, Virginia.