Her Story
About Chelsea
Chelsea Schneider is a communications and community engagement professional serving as Assistant Community Relations Director for the Charter Township of Shelby, where she supports township-wide communications, public engagement, brand strategy, and departmental operations. In this leadership role, she oversees communications, publications, broadcast, and multimedia functions while mentoring staff, coordinating cross-department initiatives, and helping develop strategies that strengthen the township’s brand and resident outreach. Her work centers on making local government more accessible, informative, and engaging through clear communication and creative storytelling.
Chelsea has built a diverse career with the Charter Township of Shelby, progressing through roles including Communication Services Manager, Deputy Supervisor, Community Relations Intern, and Cable Technician Intern. As Communication Services Manager, she led day-to-day communications across web, social media, video, and print platforms, developed digital content and public relations materials, responded to resident inquiries, and supported community events and emergency communications. She has also helped bring community initiatives such as Summerfest, Christmas Aglow, the Shelby Township Art Fair, Kelsey on a Kwest, and Coffee with Kevin to life. Earlier in her career, she gained experience in digital media and project management with Park West Gallery, developing expertise in social media strategy, content management, community engagement, and brand consistency.
Chelsea’s professional approach combines leadership, creativity, collaboration, and a strong commitment to community connection. She is passionate about highlighting the people and stories that make a community special while ensuring residents feel informed, involved, and proud of where they live. She holds a B.A. in Communication and Journalism – Public Relations from Oakland University and has completed professional training in project planning and project initiation through Coursera. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she contributes to the community through organizations including Metro Detroit Young Professionals and Leadership Macomb, where she has taken on leadership and program responsibilities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Chelsea
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the dedicated employees and colleagues who have supported me throughout my career and contributed to the success of the initiatives I have led. One of my most notable accomplishments was helping revive the township’s summer celebration after its fireworks program was discontinued due to limited space. By bringing together two existing children’s programs with a new drone show coordinated with the Macomb County Symphony Orchestra, our department created Summerfest, an event that has continued to grow and thrive each year. This achievement reflects the value of collaboration, creativity, and a committed team working together to turn challenges into meaningful opportunities for the community.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to remember that even the most stressful or difficult days are usually temporary and should be viewed as learning experiences rather than setbacks. I have learned to stay positive, remain persistent, and keep challenges in perspective, knowing that one difficult situation does not define my career or my capabilities. Approaching each experience with resilience and a willingness to learn has helped me navigate challenges, grow professionally, and continue moving forward with confidence.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering local government is to pursue your interest with confidence, even if you encounter negative perceptions or misconceptions about the industry. Government employees are everyday people who care deeply about their communities and are motivated by a genuine desire to make a difference. If you are passionate about serving others, creating positive change, and contributing to your community, do not let outside opinions discourage you. Stay true to your purpose, remain open to learning, and embrace the opportunity to build a meaningful career through public service.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is effectively reaching all residents with important information. Although we use a variety of communication channels, including social media, newsletters, and other outreach platforms, there are still residents who may not see or receive critical updates. Finding new and effective ways to communicate with the community and ensure information reaches as many people as possible is an ongoing priority and an important opportunity to strengthen public engagement.
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