Shelley Smith Thames

Shelley Smith Thames "serves as Chief of Staff for International Justice Mission. IJM is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local governments to ensure victim rescue, to prosecute perpetrators and to strengthen the community and civic factors that promote functioning public justice systems.

"Ms. Thames received a B.A., summa cum laude, in Social Work at Baylor University and her Masters of Public Administration from George Mason University with a concentration in Non-Profit Management.

"Prior to joining IJM, Ms. Thames served for three years at World Relief, a Christian organization that works with and for churches to relieve human suffering, poverty and hunger worldwide. She began there as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer and later served as the Church and Volunteer Mobilization Coordinator, assisting in refugee resettlement in Atlanta, Georgia.

"Since joining IJM in 1999, Ms. Thames has worked in various capacities, providing valuable institutional knowledge and leadership focused on improving the growing organization. In her current position, Ms. Thames provides executive leadership in strategic planning, project management and organizational consistency. Her many contributions to the business operations of IJM aid in creating a professional culture and environment that is both well-managed and enjoyed by staff worldwide. Ms. Thames serves as the principal advisor to the Chief Operating Officer by providing technical analysis, interdepartmental and external coordination and administrative management.

"Ms. Thames currently lives in the DC area with her husband, Knox, and son Elliott."