Scott Shaffer

Background

About Scott Shaffer

About Scott Shaffer - Executive Director My Motto: “To be fully alive.” My Mission: To help all people thrive! My life's journey is about climbing mountains and building bridges—between people, cultures, and ideas. From my early experiences playing football and volunteering with intellectually disabled adults, to a life-changing conversation in a leper colony in India and trekking the Sierra Madre mountains of Mexico, I've embraced every challenge and every new connection with open arms. Educational Journey: After igniting a passion for social justice through my academic and volunteer experiences in college, I acquired practical and theological training for public leadership during my time at Duke, where I also worked as a hospital chaplain and served as a student pastor. I am currently completing my Doctor of Ministry degree focused on public theology and social justice at Wesley House Cambridge, broadening my understanding alongside international peers. Career Path: After being ordained as an elder in the United Methodist Church, I united four congregations to launch ministries that spanned from student and addiction recovery to formation of a new worshipping community. As the Executive Director of Roots of Faith and Lead Pastor at Faith UMC, I championed efforts to bridge divides across race, class, and geography to address systemic injustice. I’ve led teams, managed a $900K budget, and cultivated a knack for fundraising and grant writing, driving initiatives that bring tangible change to communities. 🤝 Community Impact: My leadership style is characterized by a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, fostering environments where diverse groups can come together for transformational change. Whether it’s a community meal that leaves people forever changed or strategic initiatives that advance social justice and equity, the heart of my work is about creating spaces where everyone can thrive. Personal Life: My curiosity leads me to explore diverse hobbies, from hiking and CrossFit to ceramics and glass blowing. My greatest joy is being with my family—whether that's atop the Eiffel Tower, or dancing in our kitchen to Taylor Swift. My partner Shannon and our two children are my greatest supporters as we live life to the full. Let’s Connect: If you are passionate about building inclusive communities, advancing social justice, or leading nonprofits with vision and impact, I’d love to connect and explore how we can collaborate towards a more equitable world.