Katherine Hyde Shelton

Passionate and skilled finance professional with over a decade of experience. Excels at building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders, using social networking to identify and pursue new opportunities, and to deliver exceptional service and value. Deep understanding of various industries, including but not limited to private equity, wine, food and beverage, corporate ag, and telecommunications.

Personal mission to support the growth and sustainability of the agricultural and rural infrastructure sector, by providing access to capital, expertise, and education. Desires to be part of a diverse and collaborative team that shares the same vision and values, while challenging her to grow and learn.

• Board Member of Napa Valley Tennis Association
• Active Member of The Society of California Pioneers
• Toastmasters
• San Francisco Cotillion - Debutante of December 2008 class
• Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumni

• California Real Estate Salesperson License
• NMLSR #1285942

I proudly represent the third-generation of my family to live and work in Napa Valley, CA. I grew up on a lavender farm and would assist my family in farming and harvesting nine varietals of lavender on our 12 acre property on the hillside of Yountville. The yield from harvest was used to create soaps, essential oils, hydrosol  cleaning mists, candles, shampoos, lotions, etc. for my mother's small business, the Napa Valley Lavender Company. From a young age, I would assist my mother at wholesale trade shows in San Francisco, farmer's markets in St. Helena, and was present for successful sales meetings with notable wholesale clients, such as Whole Foods Market and Nordstrom Spa. Later we opened two boutique stores in Napa, where I worked as a sales associate during high school to save money for college. My mother included me in the full vertical integration of her business, whereupon I generated a passion for farming, small business, and the American entrepreneurial spirit. My upbringing taught me the value of a true sense of ownership, a resilient work ethic, and the importance of a positive mental attitude.