Shelley W. Lauten is a strategic advisor, nonprofit executive, and widely respected regional leader known for aligning diverse stakeholders to address complex community and economic challenges. As Principal of Lauten Consulting, she works with organizations and communities to develop strategic plans, facilitate high-impact discussions, and guide initiatives that enhance both quality of life and economic prosperity.
Shelley served as CEO of the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness from 2016-2019, where she led a tri-county effort to design and advance a coordinated system of care focused on making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. Under her leadership, the organization strengthened regional alignment, advanced data-driven strategies, and elevated homelessness as a shared community responsibility.
Since retiring from full-time executive leadership in 2019, Shelley has continued to serve in significant regional leadership roles. She served as Interim CEO of the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Central Florida (2021-2022), providing strategic oversight and organizational stability during a national CEO search and helping position the organization for its next phase, including development of the Holocaust Museum for Hope and Humanity.
Most recently, she served as Director of the Central Florida Pledge, a regional initiative that brings together leaders from government, business, education, faith, and the broader community to build the most welcoming region possible - one where all people are treated with dignity and respect, especially when there are differences in perspective. In this role, Shelley helped convene diverse stakeholders and advance a shared commitment to strengthening civic trust and community cohesion across Central Florida.
Earlier in her career, Shelley served nearly 15 years as President of myregion.org, a business unit of the Central Florida Partnership, where she led nationally recognized efforts to advance regional collaboration across a seven-county, 86-city area.
She also co-founded triSect, a strategic consulting firm focused on systems change, advising clients such as the Florida Department of Transportation and the Central Florida Water Initiative.
Earlier executive roles with Walt Disney World and Arnold Palmer Golf Management shaped her strong foundation in organizational leadership, brand strategy, and stakeholder engagement.
Throughout her career, Shelley has served in numerous leadership roles, including Chair of the Alliance for Regional Stewardship/ACCE, and board positions with the Urban Land Institute–Central Florida, the Florida Chamber Foundation, and other national and regional organizations.
Shelley and her husband, Fred, have called Orlando home for more than 40 years. They have two grown children and three grandchildren.