YWCA DAYTON announced today that its Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of Shannon Isom as CEO, effective January 6, 2023. She has accepted the position as President and CEO of Community Shelter Board in Columbus, Ohio. Ms. Isom has been the CEO of YWCA Dayton since December 2013.
Shannon began her professional career working for the YWCA in Columbus as a manager of a trial program in conjunction with the CDC and YWCA USA to ensure marginalized women had access to breast and cervical screenings. Under Shannon’s leadership, including her time as the Board Chair, the YWCA Dayton has become the region’s driving force for the critical work of eliminating racism and empowering women.
During her tenure as CEO, Shannon has received numerous awards including, Antioch College Coretta Scott King Justice Award, DBJ Forty under 40, Leadership Dayton, DBJ 50 Most Powerful Women, WIBN Top 25 Women to Watch, and DBJ Forty Under 40 Alumni Hall of Fame. Also, the Humanitarian Award from the National Conference for Community and Justice of Greater Dayton, and the National Philanthropy Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
In the community, Shannon’s work included serving on numerous boards and committees including board member for the Dayton Downtown Partnership, Co-Op Dayton, Community Appeals Board for the City of Dayton, and Miami Valley Regional Planning Committee. She served on the Executive Advisory Committee for the Human Rights Center at the University of Dayton and as co-chair of Racism is a Public Health Crisis Task Force. Shannon also served as a TEDx coach for TEDx Dayton.
YWCA Board Chair, Jennifer Heapy shared, “Shannon’s commitment to the core values of eliminating racism and empowering women cannot be overstated. We are grateful for Shannon’s strategic vision and tireless advocacy. Her vision and leadership will leave the YWCA Dayton well-positioned to continue the work of fighting for women and racial justice. The Board is working closely with the YWCA USA to identify an interim CEO.”
