United Way of Greater St. Louis focuses on empowering individuals and families by uniting people, resources and funding to help build strong and equitable communities where everyone can thrive. Shuntae Shields Ryan, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, significantly advances this mission through strategic leadership and visionary marketing initiatives.
With 30 years of experience in marketing and communications across various St. Louis organizations, Shields Ryan brings exceptional expertise and industry insight to her current role. Widely acknowledged as an authoritative voice and industry leader, she frequently addresses critical topics related to effective communication strategies, marketing innovation, and community engagement. Her professional excellence was recently recognized through her selection as a First-Year Titan 100 Honoree.
In her nearly three years with United Way, Shields Ryan has dramatically expanded the organization’s marketing reach and community influence. Her strategic direction has successfully positioned United Way as a leading advocate and trusted convener within the community, significantly boosting its visibility and credibility. Shields Ryan regards the elevation of United Way’s public profile as her most rewarding achievement, directly enhancing the organization’s ability to support the community.
Emphasizing continuous education is central to Shields Ryan’s leadership approach. She ensures her marketing and communications teammates consistently engage in targeted training to stay proficient in essential digital skills, analytics, and modern communication practices. This proactive stance allows her team to adapt swiftly to industry developments, maintaining operational excellence and fostering innovation.
Aware of the complexity and demands of her responsibilities, Shields Ryan identifies prioritization as a crucial skill she wishes to master instantly. Effective prioritization, in her view, is vital to efficiently managing diverse tasks and enhancing overall productivity. This skill ensures she can consistently meet organizational goals and sustain high performance across multiple projects and initiatives.
Shields Ryan’s enthusiasm and motivation stem from deep community involvement and active service. Her genuine passion for giving back invigorates her daily efforts and inspires colleagues and stakeholders alike. She openly shares her dedication with those around her, creating a motivating environment that strengthens organizational morale and commitment.
The significant growth United Way has experienced under her leadership highlights Shields Ryan’s exceptional ability to recognize and capitalize on emerging opportunities. She consistently anticipates challenges and prepares her team through targeted skill development and strategic foresight. This approach ensures the organization remains resilient, responsive, and highly effective in achieving its marketing and communications goals.
Through prioritizing education, strategic execution, and community engagement, Shields Ryan reinforces United Way’s essential role as a catalyst for community improvement. Her impactful leadership continues to drive enhancements in organizational visibility, impactful positioning, and increased brand awareness, solidifying United Way’s standing as an indispensable resource within the St. Louis region.
