Wayne Shields

Background

About Wayne Shields

Women's and LGBTQ+ health education, policy, and advocacy professional with gender equality expertise. Over two decades of NGO management, public health, policy, partnership development, communications, board development, and fundraising experience. I currently serve as Interim Executive Director for ME Action Network, a global research and advocacy nonprofit focused on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID. Prior to that, I was Senior Policy Fellow at Equimundo, an international non-governmental organization that conducts research and works with groups in the US and 40+ countries to advance gender equality, promote healthy masculinity, and prevent violence. I am also a Partner at Turner4D, a progressive communications and public affairs firm where I help nonprofits, B-corporations, and public sector clients with organizational development, fundraising, communications, board governance, partnership development, coalition building, and advocacy. For 20 years, I served as President/CEO at the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, a sexual and reproductive health professional society. I earned a Master's in Public Management and Policy with a concentration in gender, and a Master's certification in NGO Management, both from Johns Hopkins University. I was the first male to earn an undergraduate degree in Women's Studies from Old Dominion University, and also hold a Bachelor's in English Literature from ODU.