Shana Ellis

Shana Ellis, MPA, is an executive leader, educator, and former elected official with more than 25 years of experience advancing collaborative solutions to complex community challenges.  She serves as Executive Director of Arizona State University's Action Nexus on Housing and Homelessness, based in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, and as a Faculty Associate in ASU's School of Public Affairs, where she teaches undergraduate courses focused on public service leadership and community impact.

Throughout her career, Shana has built cross-sector partnerships that bring together government, nonprofit, philanthropic, higher education, and community leaders to address complex public challenges and create lasting community impact.

Prior to joining ASU, Shana served as Vice President of Programs for the Area Agency on Aging, Region One, and as President and CEO of The Centers for Habilitation (TCH), where she led programs and strategic initiatives serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations.

Shana earned both her Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and her Master of Public Administration from Arizona State University.  She served eight years on the Tempe City Council, including two years as Vice Mayor, and has served on numerous nonprofit and civic boards supporting housing, transportation, disabilities, leadership, youth, and community development.  She is a graduate of Valley Leadership, recipient of the Don Carlos Humanitarian Award for community service, and was recognized by the Phoenix Business Journal as an Outstanding Woman in Business.

A native of Tempe, Shana currently serves on the Board of Directors of Charter 100 and is an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Tempe.