Shalla joined Big Waters in September 2024 as Director of Philanthropy. Together with our dedicated philanthropy team, she is charged with securing the organization’s fundraising revenue required to protect land and water in Southwest Florida forever. Growing up on the banks of the Mississippi River in rural Iowa community, Shalla’s passion and respect for nature and history began at a very early age. She received her BA in History from the University of Iowa and her MA in Museum Studies from Oklahoma University. She began her career as the Assistant Director of the Old Capitol Museum on the University of Iowa Campus and was promoted to director in May 2006 where she oversaw educational outreach programs, fundraising activities, collections management, and historic preservation of a National Historic Landmark. Shalla also molded young minds during her time as an adjunct instructor in Museum Studies at the University of Iowa. She has years of nonprofit experience, including most recently serving as the Director of Development for The Salvation Army Area Command in Ft. Myers, FL. Shalla enjoys swimming, boating, kayaking, camping, music, reading, writing and needlework in her free time. She and her husband, Michael, are based in Port Charlotte, but love to explore the world around them by boat, car, and motorcycle.
Shalla Ashworth
Director of Philanthropy
Growing up nestled between the banks of the Mississippi and the bluffs of the prairie, land, water, and wildlife have always been part of the delicate balance of life. I’m honored to continue that passion in SWFL, ensuring the land and water and wildlife will be accessible for generations to come.
