WENDY S.

SHANNON
2341 67th Street NW Rochester, MN 55901 (507) 208-4386 wendysueshannon@gmail.com

PROJECT LEADERSHIP
Nonprofit / Government / Education
Bringing integrity, experience and enthusiasm
to the challenge of engaging all constituents in raising performance and exceeding goals
Overview: Extensive experience as a leader in nonprofit, government and education settings, skilled in
facilitating change, managing complex projects and developing effective teams. Background includes roles
ranging from school superintendent to nonprofit director to national trainer. Committed to projects and
initiatives that contribute to the strength of the community.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Education Funds development Community partnerships Staff development & training

CORE STRENGTHS
Budget oversight, up to $16M
Strategic planning
Facilitation / presenting

Staff development, up to 200

Board interaction
Research and writing

Committee leadership
Community involvement
Technology planning

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Assistant Professor, Winona State University, August 2012-Present
Director Graduate Induction Program and instructor undergraduate education classes. Taught
Global Studies, Data Collect, Interpret, and Use, Action Research, and Teacher Development courses.
Adjunct Professor, University of Minnesota, Fall 2013, Summer 2015
Interim Director Human Resources Rochester Public Schools, February-March 2013
Superintendent, Byron School District #531, Byron, Minnesota, January 1999-June 2012
Managed $16M budget and 200+ certified and non-certified staff serving 1,780 PK-12 students at three school
buildings and at the Byron Community Education Center. Oversaw teaching and learning programs, building and
ground operations, district policy development, transportation services, food services, personnel issues and best
practices. Acted as the public face and voice of the school district.
Accomplishments
Developed and implemented a district vision, mission and strategic plan
Implemented a continuous improvement Baldrige process and integrated the plan throughout the district;
submitted Baldrige narrative application, Minnesota Council for Quality, 2011
Passed two operating levies and a $27.6M bond referendum to build a new high school
Developed two 5-year technology replacement hardware and software plans
Assisted in the design of a site-based staff development process
Awards: Intel Schools of Distinction Math Award (HS, 2011); Blue Ribbon Award (HS, 2010); MN Academic
Excellence Foundation Spotlight Award (MS 2008)
Executive Director, Zumbro Education District, Byron, Minnesota, 1989-1999
As the first employee of this multipurpose cooperative, developed the organization, initiated and managed $3.5M
budget, and developed a staff of 37 serving 9,000 PK-12 students and 650 teachers.
Accomplishments
Developed an Area Learning Center and four EBD K-12 programs
Chaired the statewide Minnesota Education District Directors Network

Wendy S. Shannon (507) 208-4386 wendysueshannon@gmail.com

page 2

Established improved learning, counseling, gifted and talented, special education direct service, school-to-work,
and teaching and learning programs
Secured grants to upgrade staff training in math, science, technology, Tech Prep, and school-to-work; also
established parent-liaison program, mentor program, and peer coaching program.
Management Development Specialist, MN Dept. of Transportation, Rochester, MN, 1988-1989
Directed, supervised, created and implemented management development and supervisory programs. Strategized an
organizational development plan for automation, employment rewards and recognition, training, and development.
Principals Leadership Program, SE MN Educational Cooperative Service Unit, 1984-1988
Supervised employees, managed budgets and generated revenue to support two instructional program areas.

TRAINING / TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Adjunct Training Staff, Institute of Development of Educational Activities, Dayton, OH, 1987-1997
Chosen as one of eight national trainers to teach facilitators (administrators, teachers, parents) a school improvement
and planned change process.
Facilitator, Minnesota Educational Effectiveness Program, SE MN Educational Cooperative Service Unit, 19841988
Trained teachers and administrators at in-services and conferences in organizational and instructional research based
characteristics, critical thinking, cooperative group learning, classroom management, inclusive curricula, conflict
resolution, etc.
Teacher, Secondary Social Science, Stewartville High School, Stewartville, MN, 8 years
Taught economics, sociology, American history, geography, world history, American government.
Accomplishments
Honored by the Minnesota Council on Economic Education for two economic teaching units
Named Teacher of the Year
Facilitated the North Central Accreditation process for Stewartville Schools

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Memberships
Minnesota Association of School Administrators
Presentations / Consultations / Workshops / College Classes (selected)
MASA Spring Conference, 2015
Dissertation Review Panel, Hamline University 2012- 2013
Facilitated Strategic Planning, Child Care Resource and Referral, Inc. May 2013
Women in Leadership, PEO, May 2013
Collaboration in a Conflict Environment, Collaborative Leadership May 2013
Intel Celebration, Byron School District, 2011
SEE Legislative Forum, 2010
Telecommunication Legislative Forum, 2009
Program for Change Leadership, Harvard Business School, 2002
Facilitated Visioning Session, Rochester Community and Technical College, 2000
Expert Consultant, Eden Prairie School District Strategic Planning Process, 1997
The Girl Child, International Federation of University Women, Yokahoma, Japan, 1995
Leading In-service Staff Development for Teachers, AAUW, Orlando, 1995
Facilitated Strategic Planning, Wisconsin Dells School District, 1994-1995
Published Works
Gender in Educational Administration: Attitudes of Superintendents and School Board Members,
Dr. Lee Gray, Dr. Wendy Shannon, Research Report, 1994.
The AAUW Report: How Schools Shortchange Girls, Highlights of the Research, Minnesota
Media, Volume 17, No. 2, 1993.
Transformational Leadership for Restructuring Our Schools, Outcomes Journal, Summer 1992.
Outcome-Based Education: What It Is and How It Can Be Used in Nutrition Education, Society for
Nutrition Education, July 1993.
Teacher Empowerment, Outcomes Journal, Winter 1990.

Wendy S. Shannon (507) 208-4386 wendysueshannon@gmail.com

page 3

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Current
Home Federal Board of Directors, 2013-present
Poverello Foundation April 2013- present
Rochester Area Foundation, Board Member, Co-chair capital campaign, Chair, Vice-chair, 2010-present
Chancellors Advisory Advocacy Committee, University of MN Rochester, Chair, 2009-present
Past
United Way of Olmsted County, Board Member, Chair, 2009-2015
Olmsted Medical Center, Board of Trustees, 2008-2013
Greater Rochester Advocates for Universities & Colleges, Organization Committee, 2008-2011
SE MN Workforce Development Board, Bioscience & Emerging Technologies Groups, 2004-2010
Southeast Minnesota Network Chair, 2008-2009
Governor-appointed member, Rochester Higher Education Development Council, 2005-2007
FACES of Olmsted County Governance Board Co-chair, 2004-2006
University Center Rochester, Advisory Council (Chair, 2003-04), 1999-2005
First Presbyterian Church, Rochester, numerous leadership roles, 1995-1998, 2003-2004
Futures Task Force, Rochester Community and Technical College, 2000-2003
American Association of University Women Educational Foundation, Secretary, 1997-1999
Rochester Area Math / Science Partnership, Chair, 1996-1997
National Chair, Initiative for Educational Equity, AAUW, 1991-1995
Greater Rochester Area University Center Board (Chair, 1993-94), 1989-1999

AWARDS
Polaris Award, MASA, 2012
Lamp of Knowledge, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, 2011
Good Neighbor Award, Byron Area Chamber of Commerce, 2011
100 Distinguished Alumni, College of Education and Human Development, U of MN, 2006
Administrator of Excellence, Region I, Minnesota Association of School Administrators, 2006
Athena Award, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, 2002
Gordon M.A. Mork Outstanding Educator, College of Education & Human Development, U of MN, 1999
Women of Distinction, Girl Scouts Council of River Trails, 1997
National Leadership Award, Minnesota ASCD, 1993
Kay Jacobs Award, 1993

EDUCATION & LICENSES

University of Minnesota:
Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction
M.A. in Secondary Education; emphasis in Social Sciences, Economics
B.S. in Economics and Social Sciences Education; graduated with High Distinction
Licensure:
Secondary Administration; District Superintendent; Curriculum Coordinator; Social Sciences, 7-12
Excellent references available upon request