Shannon Woods
Shannon Woods is a seasoned Senior Executive Assistant & Bookkeeper at Veregy Consulting, LLC, where she recently celebrated her sixth anniversary. In this role, she provides high-level administrative and financial support, managing complex workflows that include payroll, bookkeeping in QuickBooks, invoicing, tax preparation, and vendor coordination. Her typical day begins with coffee, followed by reviewing emails and prioritizing tasks from her running to-do list, ensuring all deadlines and projects are handled efficiently. Shannon’s organizational expertise, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities make her a trusted partner to executive leadership.
Shannon’s journey into executive support and bookkeeping began over a decade ago with Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., a nonprofit supporting families affected by alcoholism. She volunteered for five years, developing a passion for organizational work and community service that guided her professional path. Before her nonprofit work, Shannon ran her own online book business, sourcing books from nonprofits and selling them through platforms like Half.com and Amazon. These experiences honed her skills in financial management, project coordination, and effective communication.
Shannon holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from California State University, East Bay, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Public Policy from Walden University. Additionally, she earned six AA degrees from Napa Valley College in Napa, California. Originally planning to become a special education teacher, her career evolved through meaningful nonprofit work into executive operations and bookkeeping. Shannon combines strategic thinking, operational excellence, and a proactive approach, consistently driving efficiency and fostering strong working relationships across the organizations she serves.
• California State University - East Bay - BA, Liberal Arts
• Walden University - MPA
• Al-Anon volunteer work (approximately 5 years)
What do you attribute your success to?
I was born with CP I was born disabled. And my 6th grade teacher at the time actually told me that, Shannon, you better start saying, would you like fries with that? Because you will, that's what you will be, basically will do the rest of your life. And I took that, I'm like, no, I can do better. So, I got my bachelor's degree, I got my master's degree, and said, you know what? I can do better. Every time I mention that, everyone's like, that's just horrible of what a teacher could say to someone. But really, if it wasn't for that experience, I was actually planning on becoming a special ed teacher, but because of Al-Anon and that, I went a different direction. That teacher's words gave me the drive to prove I could achieve more than what she predicted for me.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Network, network, network. That's the best career advice I've ever received. And when it comes to student loans, take out only as much as what you actually need. Don't go into debt for an extra potential degree that you technically don't need. I mean, if you want it, if it's on your bucket list, go for it, but only take out as much as what you need. The worst thing is graduating with all this debt that you've got to pay, and then you're working just to pay off your debt.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Research, take your time to really figure out what you want to do. Definitely do your research. Maybe do an internship or volunteer someplace where you can get first-hand knowledge and experience of what it's truly about. Don't jump in blind, I guess that's one way of putting it. And you could, you know, if you have a dream and wish and desire, you could pretty much do anything you put your heart to. It just takes time and perseverance.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Communication is key. I think communication is the biggest challenge in my field. You have to have the right kind of communication - like you have a niche for it. You have to be aligned with your C-level executives, or executives if you're working with multiple, which I am. Having that right communication and being aligned with leadership is critical to success in this role.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, integrity, doing your very best at anything you could put your heart to, and pushing forward. These are the values that guide me in both my work and personal life. They help me stay focused and motivated, especially when facing challenges.
Locations
VEREGY CONSULTING, LLC
Klamath Falls, OR 97601