EXPERIENCE

Two decades. Every seat at the table.

Sheila has led communications from the inside — as a director, a candidate, a country director, and a consultant. She knows how government works because she’s worked in it. She knows how campaigns run because she’s run them. That’s not a talking point. It’s what she brings to every client engagement.

Sheila Ballen Communications — Founder and Principal

Philadelphia, PA | 2010–Present

A full-service strategic communications and government relations practice built on one premise: results matter more than plans. Sheila works directly with clients — no hand-offs, no junior staff running point — navigating media, government, and community stakeholders to move missions forward.

What that looks like in practice: securing earned media that changes the conversation, building legislative relationships before they’re needed, stepping in as interim communications director when organizations are in transition, and managing crises before they become catastrophes.

University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice

Public Relations & Public Affairs Consultant | Philadelphia, PA | 2016–2018

Brought in to elevate SP2’s public profile and connect its research to the people making policy. Wrote SP2’s annual report reaching 7,500 recipients and organized a Philadelphia City Council briefing that put SP2’s dean and faculty directly in front of city council members and staff.

Scholar Academies — Managing Director

Philadelphia, PA | 2015–2016

Led a team of three and built the communications infrastructure for a nonprofit charter school management organization. Launched a brand identity campaign that deepened community partnerships, redesigned the organization’s website, and ran a donor fundraising program that produced a 33% increase in gala revenue and a 20% jump in attendance.

Mastery Charter Schools — Director of Communications

Philadelphia, PA | 2013–2014

Hired as the organization’s first-ever Director of Communications. Built the communications function from the ground up — media relations, social media, press materials, annual reports, newsletters. In 16 months: 300+ media placements, invitations to 25 elected official meetings, and communications training delivered to 100+ community activists.

Pennsylvania Department of Education — Director of Communications

Harrisburg & Philadelphia, PA | 2008–2010

Led a 10-person team managing all communications for a state agency with a $9 billion budget. Drafted speeches and op-eds for the Governor and Secretary of Education, directed crisis communications, and oversaw marquee moments including the Governor’s annual budget address and the release of statewide assessment results. Delivered Governor Rendell’s education agenda to the public and the press.

Pennsylvania Department of Education — Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary

Harrisburg & Philadelphia, PA | 2006–2008

Led the Multiple Pathways to Academic Success (MPAS) Initiative — a cross-system policy effort to improve outcomes for at-risk and educationally disrupted youth. Drove collaboration across school districts and state agencies, and launched a statewide brand campaign that built durable partnerships focused on student success.

National Democratic Institute — Country Director

Almaty, Kazakhstan | 2004–2006

Oversaw a $1.5 million democracy-building program, managing an international team of ten and delivering training to political party leaders and citizens across the country. Served as mission head for the international election observation delegation during Kazakhstan’s 2006 presidential elections.

Ballen for State Representative — Candidate

Philadelphia’s 175th District | 2003–2004

Ran for the Democratic nomination for State Representative — managing her own campaign, building her own coalition, and raising $80,000 from individual donors. Earned the Philadelphia Daily News editorial board endorsement and support from 25 local, state, and national organizations.

Good Schools Pennsylvania — Director of Communications

Philadelphia, PA | 2001–2003

Served as chief spokesperson and media director for a startup nonprofit education coalition. Built statewide media relationships from scratch and launched a brand identity campaign that carried the organization’s message to foundations, community leaders, and legislative leadership across Pennsylvania.

City of Philadelphia Commerce Department / Philadelphia Empowerment Zone — Director of Communications

Philadelphia, PA | 1998–2001

Directed all communications for a $79 million federally funded neighborhood investment program. Built relationships with local, state, and federal officials and played a central role in securing an additional $125 million in program funding that enabled further community development.

Philadelphia City Councilwoman Happy Fernandez — Campaign Manager & Council Aide

Philadelphia, PA | 1995–1998

Managed a five-person campaign team and every aspect of a City Council re-election campaign. Coordinated Philadelphia’s first all-woman fundraiser headlined by First Lady Hillary Clinton and Second Lady Tipper Gore, raising over $1 million. Total fundraising across the campaign exceeded $300,000. Also helped establish the Mural Arts Advocates during her tenure on council staff.

Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) — Executive Director

Philadelphia, PA | 1987–1994

Led all programs, fundraising, and communications for a nonprofit public interest organization. Ran community outreach around the Environmental Protection Act of 1990 and raised over $1 million from individual donors.

EDUCATION 

Master of Arts in Urban Studies, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA

Bachelor of Arts in Government, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA