Meet Marlene | Marlene Shaw

"The heart of our city beats in its people and the

strength of our community lies with each of you.

I am committed to serving all of you,

with honesty and dedication."

Hello, I’m Marlene Shaw. THANK YOU for visiting!

You’re a busy person so here is the quick story of why I’m running and what I bring that’s worthy of your vote.

Vision. Work Style. Experience.

I think those are what the job requires, and probably in that order. Experience is fine and I have a lot of it, but more important is ‘who did we become while getting that experience?’

Vision: Gulfport is special by being an independently operated city with less than 12,000 residents, and I value that independent attitude. I value the loving and cheerful spirit that has blossomed over the 30 years I’ve called it home. I cherish the art, the music, the food, the bay, the smiles from passersby during walks down oak covered brick streets. I want to protect that spirit...the experience that I love every day.

But I want more for us. Our city can improve the delivery of services to its people. It can better address the needs of the future. It can be more open, inclusive and transparent in dealings with its people. That’s my vision. Defend the good thing we have while making it better.

Work Style: I’m a problem solver. That’s in my personality and has defined my career. It calls for collaboration (usually), persuasion (sometimes) and confrontation (very rarely but when required). Whatever it takes to get to a successful solution while maintaining good working relationships...that’s what I do.

Experience: I have managed people and places (please see ‘RESUME’). I’m proud to have worked within the City of Gulfport and I understand how it functions. Experience is valuable and I believe mine has prepared me to serve effectively on Council. By itself, though, experience is not the solution for good government or incumbency would be the only criteria.

Got questions? Not sure? Please look over the site...it will be filled in with useful information in coming days. Or just call me. 727.490.9559. I’d like to hear what you think.

Thank you for reading this far...! If you like what you see and might want to get involved, please call me or email the campaign. It’s a new day...let’s try a new way.

Professional Expertise:

Licensed Florida Community Association Manager
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker
Former holder of the nation’s highest designation for community association managers (PCAM)

Credentials and Certifications (now retired):

Certified Manager of Community Associations
Association Management Specialist
Professional Community Association Manager (highest professional designation available nationwide that demonstrates advanced skills and knowledge)
Professional Management Development Program (PMDP)
Extensive training in: Financial Management, Budgeting and Reserves
Crisis Management
Leadership and Communications
Environmental and Physical Property Management
Hurricane Preparedness
Community Safety and Security

Past Leadership Roles

Commodore, Boca Ciega Yacht Club (progressive leadership through multiple positions)
President and Treasurer of Gulfport’s City of Imagination
Board Member, various community organizations
Leader, Neighborhood Crime Watch
Gulfport Public Arts Advisory Committee Co-Chairperson

Environmental and Civic Memberships:

National Wildlife Federation
Sierra Club
Audubon Society
Florida Wildlife
Gulfport Community Players

Other Volunteerisms: