Influential Woman · Conservation

Shelby Williams

Director, Benton County Conservation

Vinton, IA 52349

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Member Vice President of the County Conservation Peace Officers Association for Iowa Member Iowa County Conservation System Board of Directors Member National Association of Counties Leadership Academy

Her Story

About Shelby

I've been working in conservation since 2007, and I knew early on that this was the path I wanted to pursue, even though I was initially met with resistance. I started as a seasonal worker in high school and college, working summers in various positions in conservation, and I've worked in every position that this specific department offers. For the past 4 years, I've served as Director for Benton County Conservation. My day-to-day varies tremendously - it can be anything from meeting with contractors, hiring individuals, and writing grants, to working on large-scale projects and figuring out what the future of the department's going to be in 5 years. I also attend supervisors' meetings and head to the Capitol a couple times a year. What I'm most proud of is building a high-functioning team that makes the department shine - it's amazing to see what everyone can accomplish. Most recently, we acquired over 130 acres that expanded one of our existing parks, and we raised the funds and got grant funding so no local tax money was used. The community and department raised over $1.2 million in 18 months, which was remarkable for a small community. The public really came out and supported us, and it was wild to see.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Shelby

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute the success of the department to the staff and team. I've worked in every position that this department offers, and I'm willing to do any of the jobs that my team is doing. They can do all of them better than me, but I'm willing to do them right next to them if needed. I think that builds that line of trust - they know I'll be in it with them if need be.

02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

I would say funding and being looked at in a positive light as necessary. In 2020, everyone re-found parks and conservation because it was the only thing you were allowed to do, and everyone kind of had a spark, found that that renewed interest. But it's gone away since then again - regular schedules have returned. When you're sitting in Des Moines or DC in those legislative buildings all the time, you forget what it was like when you caught your first fish. Dealing with those situations is one of the most difficult.

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