Ilene Shehan
Ilene received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Central Missouri State University and began working at Hope House in April of 1996 in the position of Court Advocate. During her tenure with Hope House, Ilene has held various roles that provided oversight to shelter, children’s services, court, legal, and hospital advocacy programs, and took over as Chief Operating Officer in 2006. In this position, Ilene continues to oversee all direct service departments as well as the facilities department and issues related to overall operations. Recognized as a highly motivated leader, Ilene graduated from the inaugural class of the Greater Good Nonprofit Leaders Program facilitated by The Allstate Foundation in partnership with Northwestern Kellogg School of Management’s Center for Nonprofit Management. Ilene is the past president of the Rotary Club of Independence. Recently, Ilene was appointed by the Supreme Court of Missouri to the Combatting Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence Commission and its Domestic Violence subcommittee. Ms. Shehan also participates in Jackson County’s Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board and the recently formed Jackson County Intimate Partner Violence Initiative, both of which are aimed at keeping victims safe and holding offenders accountable. Ilene was also named Woman of the Year at the 2021 Women of Distinction Luncheon and was the recipient of the UMKC Law Alumni Associate’s Alvin Sykes Justice Award in 2023.
Together we can build a brighter future.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone, no matter their gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, or sexuality. Hope House advocates for survivors, no matter where they are in their journey. Join us in creating a brighter tomorrow for survivors.
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24/7 Hotline 816-461-HOPE (4673)
PO Box 577
Lee's Summit, MO 64063