Hi, I’m
Shelley Paasch
Lawrence,KS
Summary
Strategic partnership professional with a proven track record of cultivating strong alliances and delivering measurable impact. Expert in relationship management, negotiation, and strategic planning, fostering seamless collaboration and sustainable growth. Recognized for adaptability, team-oriented leadership, and a consistent ability to achieve organizational objectives. A clear communicator and adept problem solver with a sharp eye for identifying and capitalizing on opportunities.
Overview
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Kansas Office of Broadband Development
Partnerships Coordinator
06.2023 - 07.2025
Job overview
- Facilitated long-term engagement strategies with 50+ ISPs, communities, and local stakeholders through in-person workshops—enhancing collaboration and advancing broadband expansion across 13 communities statewide.
- Partnered and engaged with multiple state agencies, 50+ ISPs, and communities to invest and promote transparency and collaboration on broadband-relevant initiatives and projects, including education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, workforce, public safety, and economic development.
- Led analysis and management of marketing communications data, uncovering actionable insights that drove an 85% increase in stakeholder engagement, enhanced message clarity, and informed more targeted outreach strategies across digital, print, and in-person channels.
- Supported the Geographic Information Specialist (GIS) analyst to procure ISP, state agency, and other eligible entity's broadband availability data to ensure transparency and accuracy of awarded grant funds.
- Led the end-to-end execution of 24 site visits and compliance monitoring, achieving 100% completion by managing all logistics and stakeholder coordination, while building a tracking system to streamline the process and lay the groundwork for performance metric evaluation.
- Actively engaged with and supported more than 25 municipal broadband committees by building existing relationships and developing new relationships.
- Supported broadband strategy development to connect 30+ communities and foster peer engagement.
- Collaboratively developed a statewide broadband playbook and toolkit by engaging cross-agency teams and external stakeholders, delivering actionable strategies and resources that empower all Kansas communities to advance broadband access, adoption, and infrastructure development.
- Gathered feedback daily and addressed concerns on infrastructure deployment and policy/regulations.
Kansas Main Street
Business Specialist
04.2021 - 06.2023
Job overview
- Delivered targeted economic vitality support to over 35 communities across Kansas, strengthening local economies through customized technical assistance and strategic planning.
- Collaborated with local directors and community stakeholders to develop strategies for diversifying and stabilizing economic bases, contributing to the revitalization of downtown districts and commercial corridors.
- Authored customized written recommendations for 26 Main Street communities, based on community-specific business needs, resulting in improved local business retention and engagement.
- Identified and connected communities (15+) with additional technical assistance resources, including grant opportunities, workforce training, and business development tools.
- Delivered hands-on support to local economic teams in market analysis, retail trends, cross-promotion, customer service, inventory control, and business operations.
- Supplied actionable resources for business succession planning, helping communities prepare for ownership transitions and long-term sustainability.
Network Kansas
Manager, Rural Entrepreneurship
11.2015 - 04.2021
Job overview
- Supported over 70 entrepreneurial teams statewide by delivering tools, mentorship connections, and programmatic resources, contributing to a 15% increase in new business startups across supported communities.
- Cultivated strategic partnerships with state and national thought-leaders to launch a community-strengthening initiative—resulting in a two-cohort program that empowered four communities (pop. 5,300 to 140,000) to advance impact investing, local leadership, and health and wellness outcomes.
- Oversaw and fostered professional growth among staff by providing training, career guidance, and mentorship through a collaborative leadership approach—emphasizing empowerment, accountability, and a shared commitment to organizational success.
- Directed cross-sector teams across local government, nonprofits, and private industry to streamline operations and deliver strategic advisory services—supporting 18 entrepreneurial community partnerships in securing grants and programs, with over 40% of investments directed toward startups over six years.
- Administered regional loan and programmatic funds of over $1 million annually ensuring compliance and alignment with organizational goals while providing technical assistance to entrepreneurs and communities.
- Launched equity-focused education initiatives across priority regions, raising awareness of systemic disparities and leading to the integration of best practices in 10 community grant applications.
- Championed regional collaboration efforts by aligning goals across multiple counties, fostering shared investment in entrepreneurial infrastructure and joint programming.
- Led measurable community transformation projects in 4 regions and 18 communities, combining economic data, community input, and targeted investment to guide authentic and inclusive growth strategies.
- Managed SEO, content marketing, and social media strategy for entrepreneurship outreach, resulting in a 40% increase in digital engagement and 45% growth in newsletter subscriptions over 12 months.
- Monitored financial portfolios and account balances in coordination with the Director of Finance, maintaining 98% on-time reporting.
- Successfully completed:
- Co-Host, Pathways to Rural Prosperity Podcast (2020–2021): Shared strategies to strengthen rural communities through co-hosted episodes with Don Macke.
- Courageous Conversations Series (Mar 2021): Participated in dialogues on racial equity to foster inclusive community and personal growth.
- Youth Entrepreneurship (2016–2020): Assisted local leaders in designing and delivering hands-on programs in 15+ communities annually guiding students through business development and pitching, and fostering youth confidence, engagement, while cultivating trust with local leaders.
- Event Presenter & Convening Facilitator: Engaged audiences on topics including entrepreneurship, rural ecosystem building, economic vitality, and community prosperity.
- Licensed Facilitator, Ice House Entrepreneurship Program (2015–2020): Delivered mindset-based entrepreneurial training across diverse communities and developing a "Who Owns the Ice House" curriculum.
- Graduate, Your Leadership Edge, Kansas Leadership Center (June 2016): Gained practical tools for adaptive leadership and organizational impact.
Education
University of KansasLawrence, KS
Audited; Supplemented 10+ Yrs Practical Experience from Entrepreneurship
The Academy of Radio BroadcastingHuntington Beach, CA
Licensed Certification from Radio And Television Broadcasting
Florida State CollegeJacksonville, FL
from Radio And Television Broadcasting
Kent State UniversityKent, OH
Bachelor's Prog. Coursework-Comms/Social Sciences from General Studies
Skills
- Leadership in Program & Project Development – Experienced in leading initiatives from ideation through execution, including mentorship programs, youth entrepreneurship, and long-term engagement strategies; skilled in goal setting, project management, and problem solving
- Entrepreneurship & Ecosystem Development – Recognized thought leader in entrepreneurship and ecosystem building, with expertise in convening stakeholders, supporting small business growth, and driving community-based economic development
- Strategic Collaboration & Relationship Building – Adept at cultivating partnerships and resources to support opportunity-building and ecosystem growth across diverse communities and sectors
- Effective Communication & Engagement – Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with a talent for connecting with diverse audiences, partners, and colleagues
- Integrated Marketing & Communications – Proficient in multi-channel marketing, branded content creation, email marketing, and website management; skilled in using analytics and trend-tracking to inform outreach strategies
- Education & Capacity Building – Experienced in delivering financial literacy education and supporting community programs that promote inclusive economic empowerment
Availability
See my work availability
Not Available
Available
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Partnerships Coordinator
Kansas Office of Broadband Development
06.2023 - 07.2025
Business Specialist
Kansas Main Street
04.2021 - 06.2023
Manager, Rural Entrepreneurship
Network Kansas
11.2015 - 04.2021
University of Kansas
Audited; Supplemented 10+ Yrs Practical Experience from Entrepreneurship
The Academy of Radio Broadcasting
Licensed Certification from Radio And Television Broadcasting
Florida State College
from Radio And Television Broadcasting
Kent State University
Bachelor's Prog. Coursework-Comms/Social Sciences from General Studies
Awards
- Executive Director of the Year 2012. To recognize Kansas Main Street Directors who have provided outstanding leadership to the Kansas Main Street networks and who have consistently met all requirements of the Memorandum of Agreement., concurrently in 6 short years, recorded over 10,000 volunteer hours, 42 new businesses, 118 new jobs and cost to $11M in reinvestment and rehabilitation in a community of 10,000 in population.
- Manager’s Award of Excellence 2005; Bank of America. In recognition of outstanding achievements, which will have a long-lasting effect on Bank of America. The certificate is presented for ranking in the top range within your market in the Breakthrough Performance Plan. Dedication and effort toward the Breakthrough Performance Plan, and for living the Bank of America spirit daily.
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