Shawna Sheperd-Murtagh serves as Director of Development at Meals on Wheels Durham, where she leads strategic fundraising efforts to expand access to nutritious meals, meaningful connection, and essential support for older adults across Durham County. She joined the organization in February 2026 and brings over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector. Shawna is a fundraising and communications leader with doctoral training in health communication and disability studies.
She holds a Ph.D. in Communication, Rhetoric, and Digital Media from North Carolina State University, where her research examined how public narratives shape perceptions of care, risk, and belonging—particularly for marginalized communities. She also holds a Master of Science in Literary and Cultural Studies from Illinois State University and a bachelor’s degree in English and Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Shawna has taught writing and communication courses in higher education, emphasizing experiential, hands-on learning and applied writing for real-world audiences.
Before joining Meals on Wheels Durham, Shawna was the Development Associate with Meals on Wheels Orange County, where she led multi-channel fundraising initiatives, strengthened donor engagement strategies, and supported long-term organizational growth. Her work is grounded in relationship-building and a belief that philanthropy is most powerful when it centers dignity, connection, and shared purpose.
Outside of work, Shawna is an avid reader and outdoor enthusiast who is happiest on a trail, in a good book, or exploring somewhere new. She especially enjoys hiking with her husband, Matt, and their two dogs, who are always ready for the next adventure.