Meet Shannon
Hello Residents of Ocean Springs,
It is with great excitement that I announce my candidacy for Ward 4 Alderman!
Over the past six years, I have had the privilege of serving on the Zoning and Adjustment Board for the City of Ocean Springs, and I am the current vice-chair.
Since returning to Ocean Springs in 2016, I’ve served on a Unified Development Codes (UDC) Stakeholder Committee in 2018-19 to revise the 1985 UDC in Ocean Springs and also the Wayfinding Study Steering Committee in 2020-21 whose goal was to provide a cohesive framework for the implementation of vehicular, informational and pedestrian wayfinding signs that fit and enhance the Ocean Springs experience for visitors and residents.
I grew up in a large family, the youngest of 7 children, on Washington Avenue in downtown Ocean Springs under The Grace Oak. I’m a proud graduate of St John's Episcopal Preschool, St Paul Methodist Kindergarten, OSHS (class of 88 is great!), MGCCC Jackson County and the University of New Orleans where I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning with concentrations in Historic Preservation, Land Design and Use, and Transportation. I also hold a Certificate of Historic Preservation with the State of Louisiana and the University of New Orleans.
Both of my parents served as strong examples of the importance of being involved in our community. My mother, Joanne, was a famous local artist whose focus on the culture and landscape of Ocean Springs instilled my deep love of the arts, culture, cuisine, history, beautiful landscape and people of our great city. She volunteered her time to many organizations including St. Luke’s and Lord is My Help. My father, Matt, served on the Library Board for the city during the construction of the new library building on Dewey Ave in 1972 and then went on to serve on the Planning Commission. He built the first Ocean Springs Yacht Club on the harbor in 1971 and served as a rear commodore.
During my time in New Orleans, I was a Volunteer Lead Facilitator for Neighborhood Workshops across New Orleans to develop the Master Plan for the 21st Century, post-Katrina. I gained experience working in Civil Construction Project Management in the metro New Orleans area on municipal infrastructure projects that included paving, drainage, water line and sewer replacements, sidewalks, ADA compliance, and various beautification and art installation neighborhood projects. I am also a Certified Traffic Control Supervisor.
I have experience working for and with Non-Profit Organizations, grant writing and community outreach social service projects. (Development Director - Trinity Episcopal Counseling Center, Director of Administration - New Orleans Police Foundation).
I did this while supporting my husband Michael in his career in law enforcement and raising our two sons, James, and Andrew.
I look forward to meeting with you in the coming weeks and discussing ideas or concerns in our ward and the future direction of our city.