Shelley Finlayson
As Chief of Staff and Counsel of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, Ms. Finlayson directs the agency’s overall operations and efforts to protect the integrity of governmental decisionmaking in the federal executive branch. Ms. Finlayson is a passionate advocate for good government and has spent years developing her expertise through positions with local, state, and federal governments, and in private legal practice. Her experience includes serving at the Congressional Budget Office, the Maryland General Assembly, the government of the District of Columbia, and the DLA Piper law firm. Ms. Finlayson earned a Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center, a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Rutgers University, and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UCR.
What are your proudest accomplishments?
Besides my wonderful children, my proudest accomplishments are the times throughout my career when I persevered in protecting the integrity of government despite great pressure and when I have made the path to advancement easier for others, especially women, to follow.
Are there any research areas/projects you are currently involved in or would be interested in collaborating with SPP faculty or students?
Across the federal executive branch we are embarking on important equity work and I would really value insight from any and sources about how we might better serve all the people of this nation.
What advice do you have for public policy students as they prepare for a career in public service?
I have so much advice, but it is probably best summed up by this quote from Hellen Keller: “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something, and I will not fail to do the something that I can do.”
Don’t let the barriers stop you, don’t let the doubts derail you, and don’t let your passion and talents be misdirected. Stay the course and serve - despite the challenges and because of them. The world, the nation, the state, the city, your community - they all need you.
To me, public service is a special calling. It provides the chance to impact thousands of people’s lives for the good on a daily basis. What other profession allows you to reaffirm every day your commitment to the values of honesty, respect, fairness, equity, innovation, and compassion?
As public servants, we get to show up every single day, challenged to be our best for other people in every single decision, every single action, and every single hour. We get to bring to life our democratic ideals and to embody the value that public service is a public trust. My advice is to remember what brought you to public service, and to stay the course and serve.
How has COVID-19 affected you? How should our inland community, including the UCR community, prepare for a public health crisis like COVID-19?
As a leader, I have been challenged to ensure the agency is able to deliver on its vital role in supporting the Presidential transition completely virtually, which I am proud to note was achieved despite barriers beyond COVID. Investment in dedicated staff and foresight on IT infrastructure enabled us to deliver on our role in a transition of power from one administration to the next.
And, like many women, I have been juggling accelerating work and home demands during the pandemic as well as excessive stress and loss. Responsible both for my agency’s and my family’s safety and productivity, I have been challenged to not only deliver, but excel while exhausted. Yet I am so grateful for the privilege of uninterrupted work/pay, access to health care, and access to technology and resources necessary to remain safe. We need more supports in place for families well beyond the pandemic.
On a personal note, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Although there isn’t much “spare” time these days, I enjoy swing dancing with my husband, cooking international cuisine with my kids, hiking every weekend during the pandemic, celebrating Chinese culture, and traveling internationally (in the before times).
Any final words of wisdom?
Here is some of the best advice that I have received as a professional woman: Sit at the table (you belong there), don’t apologize (you don’t need to), you’re not an imposter (why not you?), and negotiate for what you want/need (you won’t get what you don’t ask for). Persevere and thrive!