Next Up Columbus 2025: Shauntae L. Greene
Name: Shauntae L. Greene
Age: 40
Profession: Assistant Vice President of Contract Management at Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
Neighborhood: Canal Winchester
Education: Associate of Arts in Accounting – Maysville Community College, Bachelor of Arts in Finance with a minor in Business Administration – Morehead State University, Master’s of Business Administration – Morehead State University, Real Estate Sales Agent – Hondros, and HCV Executive Management Certification – Nan McKay
Community Involvement: Make-A-Day, Board Vice President; Gateway Men’s Shelter; Kappa Delta alumna
Motto: I have two personal favorites – “Don’t adapt to the energy in the room. Influence the energy in the room” and “what happens if it turns out way better than you could have imagined”.
Shauntae L. Greene grew up in the tight-knit town of Maysville, Kentucky, where community, resilience, and hard work were more than values, they were a way of life. Those early lessons have stayed with her throughout a nearly 20-year career in affordable housing, where she’s been a fierce advocate for families striving for stability and opportunity.
Shauntae’s path began with front-line work in homeless shelters and supportive housing, experiences that opened her eyes to the systemic barriers so many face. Today, she serves as Assistant Vice President of Contract Management for the Housing Choice Voucher Program at the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, helping to lead a program that supports more than 14,000 households across Central Ohio.
Housing isn’t just policy for Shauntae, it’s deeply personal. In 2023, the unexpected loss of her younger brother, Donnie, became a powerful reminder of why this work matters. His memory fuels her passion and keeps her grounded in purpose.
Outside of CMHA, Shauntae is also a licensed Realtor and founder of KMG5 LLC, a consulting firm focused on quality, community-centered housing solutions. Her work is rooted in impact, legacy, and the unwavering belief that everyone deserves a place to call home.
What gets you up in the morning? And what gets you through the workweek?
That is such a great question! For me, my “why” is deeply rooted in my faith, my family, and the clients we proudly serve at CMHA. My faith grounds me and gives me the strength to show up as my best self each day. My family inspires me; they’re my constant reminder of why hard work, compassion, and dedication matter. And of course, the clients we serve motivate me to push through challenges, knowing that the work we do makes a real difference in people’s lives. That combination of purpose, love, and service is what fuels me both personally and professionally.
What advice or mentors have helped guide you along the way?
One of the most impactful pieces of advice I’ve ever received came from my current COO, Mr. Scott Scharlach. About 11 years ago, I was beginning to step into leadership and supervisory roles, and I found myself facing some real challenges, mainly working with a tenured staff who were older than me and hesitant to embrace change or new ideas. I remember going to Mr. Scharlach and asking him for guidance on how to navigate that space.
His words were simple, but they’ve stayed with me ever since. He said, “Shauntae, just let them see you work. Be the first one in the office and the last to leave. Once they see you work and start seeing positive results, they’ll come along and want to work beside you.”
That advice changed everything for me. And even now, all these years later, I still follow that guidance—I still put in the work. His words shaped the leader I’ve become, and I’m truly grateful for that moment of mentorship.
What do you do or where do you go to unwind?
I absolutely love anything that gets me moving. Whether it’s hitting a trail for a hike, going for a bike ride, working out, or getting caught up in the excitement of a good game. But after a long, hectic week, one of my favorite ways to unwind is to curl up on the couch and get lost in a good series. There’s something about fully unplugging and immersing myself in a great storyline that feels like the perfect reset.
What are a few of your favorite local spots in Columbus?
A few of my favorite local spots in Columbus are Panacea Luxury Spa, Lincoln Social, and The SC. Panacea is my go-to for relaxation and self-care, Lincoln Social offers the perfect vibe for a night out with great views of the city, and The SC is a fun spot to unwind with friends. Each place gives me something different depending on my mood, whether I’m recharging, celebrating, or just enjoying good company.
When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?
As a kid, I always wanted to be a teacher. That changed pretty quickly once I realized a classroom full of young children would drive me crazy. But I knew one thing for sure: I was meant to work with people and make an impact.
What books or podcasts are you reading/listening to right now?
Favorite Podcast: I listen to “The Breakfast Club” every morning. The Breakfast Club promotes Black culture while providing a vital platform for diverse voices, creators, and innovators.
Favorite Book: Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe by Laura Lynne Jackson.
What does it mean to you to be chosen for the Next Up Columbus award?
Being chosen for the Next Up Columbus award is a true honor and a personal milestone for me. It reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion that I have poured into my community over the years. This recognition represents more than just an award; it is a reminder that the work matters and that I have a responsibility to keep showing up for those who need it most. Having a seat at the table now means I can continue to advocate for equitable mental health treatment and affordable housing opportunities for individuals and families in marginalized communities. I am grateful for the journey, the people who have supported me along the way, and the opportunity to keep making a meaningful impact in Columbus.
If someone were to ask you what the “pulse” of Columbus is, what would you tell them?
To me, the pulse of Columbus is its people. It is the sense of community you feel when strangers become collaborators, neighbors become family, and every space feels full of potential. Columbus has this unique way of making you feel like you belong, while also pushing you to grow. It is a city that is constantly moving forward, but never too busy to pour back into others. That is what I love most about it: the heartbeat here is compassion, connection, and a drive to build something better together.
The Next Up Columbus Awards, presented annually by the Columbus Young Professionals Club, recognize emerging leaders who are making a meaningful impact across Central Ohio. These honorees are innovators, connectors, and community champions helping to shape a brighter future for Columbus. Meet the entire Class of 2025 »