Stefany Shaheen Running for City Council

Stefany Shaheen, the daughter of U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH, announced Monday she will run for City Council.

Shaheen is one of more than a dozen candidates who have signed up for the race so far. All nine council seats are up for grabs in the Nov. 5 election.


“Portsmouth is facing many important decisions which will impact our community for years to come," Shaheen said in a statement. "I offer a proven track record of working collaboratively with people to set priorities and solve tough problems in a fiscally responsible way. We can come together to ensure a safer community that will benefit from smarter development, strong schools and more opportunities for seniors."

Other candidates who have filed to run include:

• Mayor Eric Spear (incumbent)
• Brad Lown (incumbent)
• Jack Thorsen (incumbent)
• Esther Kennedy (incumbent)
• Jim Splaine
• J. Robert Shouse
  
• Josh Denton
  
• Gibson "Mike" Kennedy
  
• Steven Taylor
• Shelly Lyn Saunders
• Devin Murphy
• Tristan Law
• Joe Caldarola
  

The filing period closes Sept. 16.

Below is Shaheen's candidacy announcement:

Stefany Shaheen was born in Portsmouth in 1974 and has made it her home for the past seven years. As a businesswoman, community leader, and mother of four children, all of whom attend Portsmouth public schools, Shaheen says she is deeply invested in the future of Portsmouth.

Shaheen’s successful track record as a small business owner, manager and leader in the private, public and nonprofit sectors make her a strong candidate for City Council, according to Former Portsmouth Mayor Tom Ferrini: 

"I strongly endorse Stefany Shaheen for City Council. The Council needs her energy and business experience as we contend with the next phase of development that is before us.  I know her to be a voice of reason who can bring people together to get problems solved amicably."

Shaheen is currently the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Good Measures, a Boston-based company that develops online tools and services to help people better manage their health.  She co-founded the company with business partner George Bennett following her oldest daughter’s diagnosis with Type 1 Diabetes. The experience of parenting a child with a chronic, potentially life threatening disease showed Shaheen the critical role that nutrition can play in helping people feel well.  Helping Elle manage Type 1 Diabetes also inspired Shaheen to become an advocate for medical and technological advancements.  She served as the National Chair for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Children’s Congress and currently sits on the Foundation’s Advocacy Committee.

Prior to launching Good Measures, Shaheen owned and operated a management and communications consulting practice working with private and non-profit organizations. She has particular expertise in helping organizations navigate challenging transitions. This work grew out of her role with the Seacoast Early Learning Alliance and prior as Founding Executive Director of Early Learning NH, a statewide association formed through a merger of five organizations each dedicated to quality early childhood education.  During her time with the Alliance, Shaheen helped create a system of shared services that is enabling childcare centers throughout the seacoast to operate with greater efficiency.  

Shaheen says “This work reinforced the necessity of sound financial management and the value of collaboration."

In 2006, Governor Lynch appointed Shaheen to serve on the New Hampshire Commission on the Status of Women and she was later elected to Chair the Commission. When the NH Legislature cut funding for the Commission, Shaheen worked with a team to reconstitute the Commission outside of state government by merging several non-profit organizations to form the NH Women's Initiative.

Shaheen says “These experiences reinforced my passion for bringing people together to solve tough problems.”

Shaheen grew up in Madbury with her parents and two younger sisters.

Says Shaheen  “At an early age, my parents taught us the importance of public service.  We learned that good governance and responsible public policies can truly change people's lives for the better.  That fundamental lesson inspires me today.”

After graduating from Oyster River High School, Shaheen attended Fairfield University, where she played Division 1 Volleyball and graduated magna cum laude. Shaheen went on to earn a master’s degree at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, where she was a student delegate to the International Academy of Achievement. Following graduation, she was a researcher focusing on social entrepreneurship at Harvard Business School.

In addition to raising four children with her husband, Craig Welch, Shaheen has volunteered for non-profits in the Seacoast, including A Safe Place and the Seacoast Repertory Theatre.  In 2010, Shaheen was awarded New Hampshire’s 40 Under 40 designation by the Union Leader.

Stefany Shaheen says "I have seen first-hand how government can impact people’s lives.  By working together, we can help Portsmouth become a healthier, safer, more vibrant and sustainable community for everyone.”

The Portsmouth City Council consists of 9 councilors elected at large for a two year term.

The Council is the governing body of the city of Portsmouth (population 21-thousand).

The election is November 5th.