Shellby Padgett

Shellby Padgett

Shellby Padgett is the Goldwater Foundation’s Administrative Officer with more than 11 years of experience supporting executive leadership, managing cross-organizational programs, and building efficient, people-centered operating systems across federal, nonprofit, and mission-driven organizations.

Known for her analytical approach and ability to identify gaps in processes, Shellby specializes in creating sustainable systems that improve efficiency, communication, and organizational health. She has led workflow redesigns, implemented new operating procedures, and conducted strategic analyses that improved time management, reduced burnout, and enabled senior leaders to focus on high-impact priorities.

Prior to the Goldwater Foundation, Shellby held leadership and operations roles across the nonprofit and government sectors. Her work has included managing six-figure budgets, securing grant funding, building partnerships, scaling programs, and developing policies that automated administrative operations and saved organizations significant annual costs. She has also supported advocacy and training initiatives, led donor strategies, and expanded services for families and communities in need.

Shellby holds a Master of Nonprofit Management from Regis University and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts with Elementary Education Licensure from Colorado Christian University.

At the core of Shellby’s work is a passion for supporting people, strengthening organizations, and building systems that allow missions, and the people behind them, to thrive.