| Brenda Shields' life and career have been built on hard work along with commitment to business, education, her family, and the families of Northwest Missouri.
Brenda's professional career began in 1984 after graduating from the University of Missouri - Columbia with a degree in Logistics. Recruited from MU, Brenda moved to St. Joseph, Missouri to work for the Quaker Oats Company, where she worked for over 17 years in areas of advancing responsibility - culminating in the role of logistics specialist.
When Quaker Oats closed its Saint Joseph facility, Brenda wanted to give back to her community. As part of Missouri's program to bring experienced business talent to the classroom, Brenda received her alternative teacher certification and taught business classes for five years at both Benton High School and Truman Middle School in the St. Joseph School District. Despite her non-traditional entry in to the classroom, her education peers recognized her leadership and elected her to serve as treasurer of St. Joseph MSTA and nominated her as St.
Joseph's Teacher of the Year.
In 2006, Brenda was selected by the community board to serve as the President and CEO of the United Way of Greater St. Joseph. Brenda proudly served St. Joseph and the surrounding area, leading one of United Way's nationally recognized mid-market agencies. She increased the donor base each year, recruited a talented staff, increased community involvement and set fundraising records until her retirement in 2010.
In addition to Brenda's professional experience, she has a long history of fund raising, community service and involvement in public policy.
As Board Chair of United Cerebral Palsy - Brenda co-led the capital campaign to build their new St. Joseph facility. As a Board Member of the Allied Arts Council, Brenda co-chaired the Arts Fund - setting new fundraising records. As a result, she was recognized by Missouri Citizens for the Arts with their annual Arts Advocacy award.
Brenda has a long history of community service which includes- Northwest Missouri's P-20 Council; St. Joseph Mental Health Committee; Mid-Buchanan PTA President; Girl Scouts Leadership Circle; Commerce Bank CRA Advisory Board, Boy Scouts Troop 216 Committee; Governor's Complete Counts Census Committee, and the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, Board and Executive Committee.
No stranger to public policy, Brenda continues to serve on Missouri's Coordinating Board for Early Childhood. She is past Chair and continues to serve on the Missouri YMCA State Public Policy Committee and served as a Board Member of the Buchanan County Tourism Board. As a Board Member of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, Brenda helped guide the Government Relations Committee.
Brenda is married to Charlie Shields, President and Chief Executive Officer of Truman Medical Centers. They have two sons, Brandt (married to Mary) and Bryce (married to Allison) Shields. |