Her leadership began in 1999 when she was appointed by then-Mayor Stricker of the Village of Matteson as the Fire and Police Commissioner of Matteson, Illinois. This was an appointed volunteer position. In recognition of her great work in Matteson, she became the Director of The Fire and Police Commission for the State of Illinois. Sheila was elected as the first African American female to become the President of the Fire and Police Commission for the State of Illinois. While serving as President, Sheila was awarded the most prestigious Doc Wilson award for advancing the organization by implementing budget changes and adjustments to balance the overall organization's budgets.
 

Sheila was also selected to be a part of the Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership, an institute that trains women to run for political office. After the preparation of IWIL, Sheila began to use her knowledge and skills gained from the Institute to pursue politics. While in IWIL, Sheila was introduced to the then-US Senator Barack Obama. She was selected by Senator Obama to serve on his selection commission on the US Military Academies. She also served on Obama’s Presidential Campaign as the coordinator of voter registration. Sheila coordinated groups to travel to Indiana to register citizens to vote. Sheila also held the Senior Advisor/ Director of
External Affairs position for former Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simons.
 

After assisting other political figures in office, Sheila began planning and organizing her Campaign for Trustee of the Village of Matteson and won. She served as a Trustee for eight years. While serving as Trustee, she was appointed Chairwoman of the Economic Development Committee for the Village of Matteson. In 2017, Sheila received the paramount leadership role, being elected the first African American Woman Mayor of the Village of Matteson.
 

Under her leadership, Mayor Sheila's accomplishments have been numerous and impactful. She successfully balanced the Matteson budget and elevated the village's bond rating from junk to AA-. Moreover, she facilitated Matteson's transition to Home Rule. Mayor Sheila's initiatives also included attracting major businesses such as Amazon and Sam's Club and revitalizing the local economy. Additionally, she oversaw significant infrastructural developments like the repavement of streets and the New Market Square Plaza enhancement. Notably, Mayor Sheila's
leadership ushered in a full-service grocery store after a five-year absence and facilitated the return of Sam's Club as a distribution center. She also played a pivotal role in establishing R and L Trucking, Central Trucking, and the largest cultivation center in Illinois. Furthermore, her tenure witnessed the expansion of the Manheim Business Center and the establishment of a full-service Auto Mall. Despite inheriting challenges, Mayor Sheila ensured the preservation of the

new water system and spearheaded the transformation of the former Lincoln Mall into the vibrant New Market Square Plaza. These achievements underscore her dedication to Matteson's prosperity and well-being.
 

Sheila is a proud member of the Southland Regional Mayoral Black Caucus and, most recently in 2020, was Elected Delegate to the National nominating convention, second congressional district for the democratic party, and was listed on the Presidential Ballot as a Biden Delegate. In March of 2021, Sheila was appointed to serve on the Board of Directors for the Cook County Land Bank by Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle. Executive Board Member of South Suburban
Mayors and Managers (SSMMA), and most recently, selected by the nominating committee to become a Board Member of Illinois Municipal League (IML), serving as Vice President. Sheila is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. She puts her heart and soul into everything she does. Her devotion to scholarship is a pillar of her sorority’s foundation. Her unwavering compassion for others is exactly what her vision is about.
 

The following are notable awards Sheila has received for her leadership in the community:
Amazing Women 2024 – Rich Township
History Makers 2024 – Rich Township
Notable Black Leaders 2022 - Crain’s Chicago Business
Distinguished Alumni 2021 – Governors State University
Distinguished Alumni 2021 - Roosevelt University
Women of Excellence 2019 – National Foundation for Women Legislators
Women of Excellence 2018 - Chicago Defender
Women of Excellence in Politics 2017 - Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
Elected Official of the Year 2017 – Chamber 57

Sheila graduated from Governors State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech
Communication. She then received her Master of Science in Integrated Marketing
Communications from Roosevelt University.

Her journey started early in life and continues today. She will continue to fight on behalf of family, friends, and those unknown to her. Every day, she has a chance to make a difference in the lives of others, and for that, she is truly grateful for the opportunity to be elected Mayor for two consecutive terms.

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