Involvement in Frisco
Shona Sowell has been extensively involved in Frisco for over 12 years. She has a long record of service including:
- 5 years leading the Government Affairs team at the Frisco Chamber of Commerce
- Led multiple initiatives with the State Legislature including Bury the Lines, new water resources, and protection of small business owners
- Frisco Day at the Capitol, Collin and Denton County Days at the Capitol
- Developed first Legislative Agenda and Guiding Principles for the Frisco Chamber of Commerce
- 5 years leading Leadership Frisco a leadership development pipeline for those who are interested in leading in the community.
- Graduate of Class 16, led development and revision of curriculum and selection process
- Frisco ISD Independent Study and Mentorship Program
- Mentored students in areas of Public Policy, Public Relations, & Political Process
- 6 years (two terms) on the Frisco City Council, including:
- Mayor Pro Tem
- Deputy Mayor Pro Tem
- Chairing the Legislative Committee
- Serving on the Budget and Audit Committee
- Serving on the Governance Committee
- Serving on the Ad Hoc Performing Arts Center Committee
- North Central Texas Emergency Preparedness Committee
- Mayors Youth Council
Involvement in Frisco City Council
Shona’s leadership while on the Frisco City Council led to many accomplishments:
- Working with State Legislators leading to Frisco receiving $38MM from the State of Texas to assist with the remediation of the Exide property.
- Worked with State Legislature to protect Frisco’s ability to attract jobs and economic growth within city limits.
- Shona worked to ensure that residents voices were heard during major development projects. Shona led in the effort to require restaurants and retail to be built at the same time as apartments in major developments. Ending a trend where developers would seek approval for a mixed-use development but only build apartments as a first phase. (Known as phasing)
- Shona supported and led efforts to minimize the impact of City Property taxes on residents including introducing the first tax exemption on property taxes.
- Shona led the council and staff for the 2016-2018 performing arts study.
Worked with consultants to determine the best fit financially for the needs of the region. - Partnered with Frisco ISD to move forward on the joint project with the City of Frisco/Frisco ISD/Hall Park where the City would not be responsible for M&O or cost overruns.
- Shona led the council and staff for the 2016-2018 performing arts study.
- Shona worked with both Police & Fire to understand their needs for increased benefits, competitive salaries, and a workers compensation plan that cared for our first responders when injured on the job or at an event.
- Shona supported and led efforts to develop and complete multiple community park projects to best provide areas for families to gather and play including: Northeast Community Park, Pearson Park, BF Phillips Community Park, and Cottonwood Creek Park.
- Collaborated in the negotiations and design of the PGA partnership deal to ensure the Frisco taxpayer was protected in the investment. Led as Mayor Pro Tem in the final discussions and vote of approval.
- Redesigned the Mayor's Youth Council program leading to extensive growth of the program as well as the student led proposals coming before council.
- Shona was part of the team that brought a 4-year university to Frisco. The partnership with University of North Texas has grown to provide education for both undergraduate and graduate studies allowing for unique opportunities for both Frisco ISD student cohorts and corporations.
- Shona facilitated in the design and implementation of the new Frisco Library after site visits across the country to understand how to best serve our residents.
SHONA'S STORY
In 2022, Shona chose to step down from her city council position in order to fight her own personal battle with breast cancer. “While the decision to step down was difficult, it was the right decision to focus on my family and my survival of breast cancer. It also allowed me to take a step back and really evaluate where we are as a city, and where we are headed. When you are in the ‘bubble’ of city council, it’s often hard to focus on the basic things our residents want most in Frisco—safety, quality of life, and taking care of the things we already have. It’s easy to be distracted by the ‘next new thing’. I believe this short time away has given me a refocus on what’s most important to our residents.”
Professionally, Shona serves as the Director of Community Relations for a local hospital, where she works to build relationships among community groups to provide more services in the community. Her role also includes serving as the entity Public Information Officer creating all internal and external communications and serving on the Incident Command team during emergencies. Here she received extensive training in FEMA Emergency Management.
Earlier in her career, Shona taught high school for 12 years and was a nationally recognized high school teacher of US Government, US & World History, and Communications. She coached Speech & Debate working with high school students to find and improve their voice.
Shona holds bachelor’s degrees from Southwest Baptist University (4 Majors—Political Science, History, Social Science Education, & Speech), as well as two master’s degrees in Communications and Political Science/Public Policy.
Shona and her husband Will are empty nesters with five children between them and mini-doodle named Honey Bear. They are members of Genesis Metro Church in Frisco. Shona also enjoys spending time advocating with and for those impacted by breast cancer.
