Kris Valerio Shock

President & CEO

› Contact Kris

Born and raised in Annapolis, Kris Valerio Shock is the President & CEO of Leadership Anne Arundel, where she has successfully expanded the organization’s programs, funding, and community impact since 2019. A graduate of LAA’s Flagship Class of 2006, Kris brings over two decades of leadership experience spanning nonprofit management, business development, government service, and the arts.

Previously, she served as Senior Director at the Maryland Department of Commerce, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Regional Tech Council, and Vice President of Membership for the Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce. 

In addition to her organizational leadership, Kris is the founder and former producer of Ignite Annapolis, the local chapter of Ignite Talks, that has showcased more than a hundred local voices and ideas. She began her career as a professional actor, teacher, director, and producer in New York, Washington DC, Baltimore and Annapolis - experience that informs her creativity and collaborative approach today.

Kris earned her B.S. in Theatre from Towson University, graduating magna cum laude. She continues to bring her artistic vision, entrepreneurial spirit, and passion for community engagement to every role she takes on.

Kris enjoys traveling with her husband, exploring her hometown with her dogs and seeking herons throughout Annapolis creeks on her paddle board.

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Kesha Weldon

Operations and Membership Manager

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Kesha Weldon brings over 25 years of leadership experience across operations, service, and customer-facing environments. With a background spanning national brands and high-touch businesses, she is passionate about building strong teams, creating seamless systems, and delivering elevated experiences for both clients and colleagues.

Prior to joining LAA, Kesha led operations in the luxury retail and distribution space. Most recently, she served as General Manager of Regional Distribution for the Mid-Atlantic at La-Z-Boy. Before that, she spent 14 years with Restoration Hardware (RH) as an Operations and Luxury Service Leader, where she oversaw customer service and end-to-end logistics related to fulfilling client orders for high-profile clientele. Her work has focused on optimizing internal systems, leading cross-functional initiatives, and championing a culture of service and leadership excellence.

In her role at LAA, Kesha is excited to support membership engagement and program operations with the same energy and thoughtfulness that have shaped her career. She is deeply committed to community and believes in the power of dynamic, diverse leadership to drive meaningful impact.

A longtime resident of Anne Arundel County, Kesha is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, where she earned a degree in Transportation & Logistics and Marketing. She enjoys exploring her hometown of Annapolis, curating meaningful experiences and spaces, spending time with friends and family, and finding joy in the details.

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  Pam Godfrey

 Director of Programs & Events

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Pamela Godfrey brings a wealth of experience in event management, program development, and community engagement to her role as Director of Programs & Events at Leadership Anne Arundel. With a professional background spanning nonprofit leadership, higher education, and the arts, she has successfully planned and managed academic conferences, science-based programs, and large-scale community events throughout Anne Arundel County and beyond.

Pamela has held leadership roles with organizations such as the Maryland University of Integrative Health, Watershed Stewards Academy, Johns Hopkins University Peabody Institute, Live Arts Maryland, and the First Sunday Arts Festival. She is highly skilled in event logistics, program coordination, and team leadership, with a proven track record of building collaborative partnerships and securing funding through grants at the local, state, and federal levels.

In addition to her professional work, Pamela is an accomplished musician and active contributor to the Annapolis arts community. She is passionate about creating meaningful experiences that connect people, foster leadership, and strengthen communities.

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Juliana Cianchetta

Communications Manager

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Juliana Cianchetta is the Communications Assistant for Leadership Anne Arundel. She is responsible for supporting communications strategies by creating compelling creative assets, bringing LAA value and impact to life on the website and social media platforms.

Since obtaining her bachelors degree in Strategic Communications: Social Media Management in 2022, she has worked as a freelance social media manager, seizing every opportunity to develop her skills, work on diverse projects, and collaborate with businesses and organizations.

Detail-oriented and driven by creativity, she thrives in diverse settings, constantly seeking innovative ways to infuse personality into her work. Her passion for graphic design, social media management, and digital marketing is boundless, driving her to explore new horizons in each field. Juliana was born and raised on Kent Island, Maryland. She enjoys weight lifting, hiking, going to thrift stores, and spending time with her pets.