Shelley Watson is Vice President of Southern Arizona Leadership Council, a policy-focused organization whose mission is to bring business leadership and resources together to improve the economy and quality of life for all in the region and state.

Originally from Northern California, Watson was raised in Tucson and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Arizona State University. She began her career at the American Heart Association as a Program Coordinator, then Executive Director of the Southern Arizona Region, and then VP for Research & Community Programs for the state of Arizona.

Prior to joining SALC in 2017, Watson was the COO of CapitalQuest, Inc., a fundraising consulting firm, where she led a team that conducted capital campaigns and raised more than $750 million for nonprofits nationwide over two decades.

Watson has served in leadership positions on several nonprofit boards, including Board President for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Arizona, and Board Vice President for Sister Jose Women’s Center.