Shelly Headen

Shelly Headen earned a high school diploma from Mountain Heritage High School and a bachelor's degree from Appalachian State University in 1991. Her career experience includes working as a business owner.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Shelly Headen, and I’m proud to call Oak Ridge, North Carolina my home. I was born in Western North Carolina, where my family settled generations ago, and those deep roots shaped my values of hard work, accountability, and community service. I graduated from Appalachian State University and began my career as an auditor with an international CPA firm, gaining broad experience in manufacturing, telecommunications, nonprofits, and Medicaid. I also spent eight years as an accounting manager for a pharmaceutical company.

I raised my three daughters right here in Guilford County and, like many parents, spent years deeply involved in their schools and activities. I served as Co-Treasurer of their elementary school, tutored underprivileged children in reading, coached the Oak Ridge Youth Association cheerleading team, and supported my daughters through field hockey and competitive dance. These experiences reinforced my belief that strong communities start with investing in our children.

As my daughters grew older, I returned to the workforce as a recruiter in the accounting field for a decade before becoming a small business owner in the construction industry. Community engagement remains central to my life. I am an active member of the Oak Ridge Lion’s Club, and I advocate for civic engagement and social equity through the League of Women Voters and Guilford for All. Through the Greensboro Builders Association, I support fundraising for construction industry scholarships.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Every child in this state deserves a strong education. North Carolina used to be a leader in public education, but years of funding cuts have left our schools and teachers behind. I will fight to restore the investment in our public-school systems and make sure teachers, and staff are paid wages that they deserve.I believe in a more affordable North Carolina.

Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Families shouldn’t have to choose between paying the bills and getting the care they need to remain healthy. I will work to expand access to affordable healthcare and lower costs for everyone. As a small business owner, I understand how the current healthcare crisis hinders business opportunities.

Working in the construction industry over the years, I have learned more about zoning laws and construction requirements. My plan is to make housing more affordable by negotiating more flexible zoning and regulations laws.The public has a right to transparent and responsible leadership. I believe in being a good steward of your tax dollars. With my background in accounting and owning businesses, I know how to balance a budget, cut waste, and make smart investments that strengthen our communities. I believe taxpayer dollars should be spent responsibly, and the public has a right to know how their money is being used.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I believe in fully funding our public schools because every child deserves access to a strong local school. Public school teachers shape our future, and every profession—every success story—begins with a high-quality education. Investing in public schools should be one of our state’s highest budget priorities.

I believe in making healthcare affordable and accessible for all families. As a small business owner, I’ve seen firsthand how urgently North Carolina needs meaningful healthcare reform.

I want to work to make housing more affordable by reducing bureaucratic barriers in zoning and building regulations so families can find safe, attainable homes in their communities.

And finally, I believe in transparent fiscal responsibility.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

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