SHANNON MATTOX, MBA – STATE DIRECTOR, THE ARC GEORGIA
Prior to beginning her role as State Director in Georgia, Shannon served her community for many years as a non-profit executive and volunteer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It has always been a high priority for her to help lift the voices of those unheard. Based upon systematic racial, political, and societal factors, this passion became even more meaningful to Shannon when her youngest son was diagnosed with several disabilities at age 3. She recognized the need to transform into a parent advocate to ensure her son would thrive in a world that discounts him as a black, disabled boy. As the needs in her family and community changed, her career and personal life pivoted in beautifully divine ways she never expected.
Shannon was a member of the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities, a member of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Special Education Council, a member of Milwaukee’s Independence First’s Long-Term Care Committee, and a Special Education Liaison Volunteer with Milwaukee Public Schools.
She currently serves as a member of the Unlock 2.0, Georgia Caring Can’t Wait Coalition, GA Coalition for Paid Leave, Respect GA Worker’s Alliance, a Parent Student Teacher Association, Georgia State University’s Human Development and Disability Advisory Council, and Georgia Service Provider Organization for Developmental Disabilities.
Shannon, as State Director of The Arc Georgia, has worked tirelessly to promote voter awareness, educate, and register voters throughout the state. In addition, she works on The Arc at School – a program helping parents and caregivers navigate the special education system, Wings for All – a program to help people with IDD navigate air transit, and trains and works alongside The Arc Georgia’s Grassroots Connectors – youth and adult advocates. A current priority for The Arc Georgia is engaging more youth and families in programs and other advocacy initiatives.