Sondra Shelby

Sondra Shelby is a nationally recognized human services executive with more than 17 years of experience leading operational transformation, eligibility modernization, workforce development, and program integrity initiatives within large human services systems. Her expertise spans operational modernization, quality management, federal strategy, and the application of AI, automation, and emergent technologies to improve service delivery and organizational performance.

Most recently, Sondra served as Director of Adult and Family Services for Oklahoma Human Services, where she oversaw statewide operations across SNAP, TANF, Child Care Subsidy, Long-Term Care, Refugee Assistance, Energy Assistance, and Medicaid-related programs serving more than one million Oklahomans annually.

Throughout her career, Sondra has led efforts to modernize service delivery, strengthen operational performance, improve payment accuracy, and build high-performing teams. Her progression from frontline eligibility and child welfare roles to executive leadership provides a practical understanding of both day-to-day operations and agency-wide strategy, helping organizations navigate complex change while maintaining a focus on results.

An active leader in the national human services community, Sondra contributes to APHSA and ISM initiatives focused on modernization, performance improvement, and operational excellence. She holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma.