Shelley shares what prepared her for serving as Governor

“I’ve lived in Alaska 49 years and in Palmer 35 years, and with my husband, Roger, raised 4 children in our great community – and now have 12 grandchildren. I’ve served 4 years in the State House and 8+ years in the Senate. I’ve got a heart for our state, a hard work ethic, a solid understanding of the state’s fiscal situation, and a vision with tangible solutions to unlock Alaska’s potential. My first career as a busy stay-at-home mom (while doing remote work in project management before it was vogue!) taught me why what happens in Juneau is so important. I cannot think of a single professional accomplishment that makes me as proud or was as rewarding as raising my four children. They are all amazing adults with wonderful spouses, and are doing a spectacular job raising their children – our precious grands. During this time in the 1970’s and 1980’s when our children were young , we lived in Hoonah, Bethel, Fort Yukon, Fairbanks, and Seward. These years provided me with a statewide perspective and understanding of the various regions of the state that now is incredibly helpful in understanding the unique challenges of each. When you live in a community, a region, a piece of your heart always remains there. My second career began with a move to Palmer in 1990 where I completed my UA degree, worked a small business and project contracts. I was an in-district legislative aide for a few months before landing a position as a policy affairs director in the private sector.  With many trips to Juneau and D.C., I learned the legislative process and hit the ground running when I began serving in the legislature. In the House, I served as Transportation Chair, Labor and Commerce Vice Chair, and Chair of the Unmanned Aircraft Task Force. I served as Majority Leader in the Senate as well as the Chair of Judiciary, Education, and the Food Strategy Task Force.  My work has ranged from leading the repeal of SB 91, to ushering the unmanned aircraft industry into the state, toughening sexual assault laws, developing bipartisan fiscal plan proposals, safeguarding seniors against fraud and abuse, decriminalizing industrial hemp, securing Glenn Highway medians, authoring and strategizing the passage of the Alaska Reads Act, and leading work to remove barriers for ag producers, among numerous other efforts. I am thankful for the strong foundation I have for stepping into the role of governor. My life, my work, my faith have prepared me well. My job now is to listen to you and do my best to ensure opportunities abound, liberties are protected, essential services continue, and a bright future for Alaska lies ahead!