Shawn Stokes

Shawn Y. Stokes transforms public and private organizations with thoughtful and intentional leadership. She intuitively enhances processes and people—bringing out the best in both. She is committed to delivering excellence by rethinking and reshaping operations, elevating professional development for every level of the workforce, and building strong and positive workplace cultures. Currently, as the Director for the Office of Human Resources Management in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Shawn leads all aspects and functions of human resources, engaging and developing the workforce, and serving as a senior advisor to the senior leadership on personnel matters. Shawn believes it is critical to have effective leaders at all levels. In support of this idea, Shawn has implemented a dynamic learning management system and development program for more than 6,500 employees in Prince George’s County. The learning and development program provides a wealth of learning opportunities for employees and managers to grow their overall leadership skills. Shawn is well known for facing operational challenges head-on. She led the development of an enhanced recruitment strategy and candidate application system that automated the position approval process, significantly reducing the number of days it takes to fill positions with top talent. Shawn champions the need for work-life balance. She has been recognized for the successful launch of Level Up, the County’s award-winning employee wellness program. Level Up supports wellbeing through comprehensive programs, resources, and policies that address the multiple dimensions of wellbeing: preventive health, behavioral health, healthy eating, physical activity, and financial wellness. The program has empowered employees and their families to adopt new mindsets, lead healthy lifestyles. and embrace work-life balance. Prior to joining Prince George’s County, Shawn served as the Director of Montgomery County, Maryland’s Office of Human Resources, and the Director of the District of Columbia Government’s Department of Human Resources. Shawn earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Delaware State University and a master’s degree in engineering from Connecticut State University. She is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School’s Senior Executive in State and Local Government Program and the Harvard Business School’s Public Education Leadership Program. Shawn has completed the Leadership Program of the Great Baltimore Committee, a program focused on preparing leaders to confront opportunity in a new way. She completed the LEADERSHIP Philadelphia program, which enhances civic knowledge and awareness and enriches leadership skills. Shawn sums up her career to date as an “engaging journey that never ceases to offer new challenges and rewards.”