Shelby Sackett

Career Summary

Programme Management professional with six years leading export market development for US agriculture associations. Managed budgets up to $6m across grant and industry funding sources; coordinated agencies in 22 countries; and wrote 30+ grant applications securing $60m+. Regularly travelled internationally to represent clients with importers, retailers, and government officials, supporting negotiations, programme alignment, and market access. Worked with associations to shape strategies, secure buy-in, and execute programmes – from trade missions to digital campaigns – that lifted exports up to 200% in priority markets. Most recently promoted to Executive Director, US Apple Export Council, where I ran board governance, budgeting, and meetings.

---

Key Skills

I bring structure to complex, international programmes. I align stakeholders around a single plan and manage delivery across scope, budget, risk, approvals, and course correction. I am comfortable representing organisations externally, including working directly with senior stakeholders across markets, as well as internally, translating competing priorities into clear decisions. I add particular value when programmes need clearer structure and follow-through, using data, dashboards and AI tools to surface insights, reduce duplication, and support faster decision-making. Colleagues rely on me for calm execution, stakeholder diplomacy, and clear communication in international, regulated environments.

---

Future Objectives

Post-MBA, I am targeting programme management roles in the UK or US within food and beverage, grocery retail, or travel. I am particularly interested in internationally facing programmes that support growth, market expansion or transformation, and that involve close collaboration with partners and stakeholders across multiple countries.