COLORADO

Sheila Scanlon

Chair, Colorado Board of Veterans Affairs | Aurora, Colorado

Sheila Scanlon concluded her Marine Corps career as a colonel after more than 30 years of exemplary service. During her time with the Marines, Scanlon was lauded as an accomplished strategic leader and manager with strong organizational and technical skills. She excelled at working with civilians and military personnel to ensure program effectiveness and mission success, creating cohesive relationships among differing entities and varying interests.

Among many high-impact assignments, Scanlon finished her active-duty service with the Marine Corps in 2011 as senior advisor at Camp Eggers in Kabul, Afghanistan, part of Operation Enduring Freedom. She remained in Afghanistan for two more years, serving as Senior Advisor to the Ministry of Defense of Afghanistan for Gender Integration.

After her military career, Scanlon continued to engage in matters of security and international affairs though various positions in Colorado academics and public institutions, including chief of staff, Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, a position she held from 2020-2023.

Scanlon is currently vice president of the Colorado Chapter of the Women Marines Association and chair, Colorado Board of Veterans Affairs, which is focused on connecting locally with veterans throughout the state to learn about their issues and concerns. She is a specialist and consultant on women, peace, and security.