Shelly Leathers

Accounting and Finance Manager; Athenaeum Hotel Controller

Accounting — Office of the Chief Financial Officer
Athenaeum Hotel/Chautauqua Hotel Company — Office of the Executive Vice President

About Shelly

Shelly joined the finance department at Chautauqua Institution in September of 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. She is the accounting and finance manager and is responsible for financial activities including internal and audited financial report preparation, general ledger maintenance and internal controls. Additional work includes the reconciliation of funds to ensure donor intentions are met. Shelly enjoys working with all departments to provide timely financial information.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Rhode Island and a master’s degree in general education with the goal of teaching business courses. Before coming to the Institution, Shelly worked for 11 years in the insurance industry, in the accounting department for an agency that insured oil and gas companies, and 13 years in public accounting for not-for-profit organizations. After she obtained her teaching certificate, she also taught math and business courses in middle/high school and at Jamestown Public Schools.

Why did you choose to work at Chautauqua? What do you like about working at Chautauqua?

Many of the organizations I volunteer for are centered around education and youth, so Chautauqua seemed to align with my personal goals. Although my background is in accounting, I enjoy the many educational opportunities the Institution provides for the local and global community.

This past season I volunteered at the Amphitheater. It was fun to see all the attendees and performances. I look forward to taking part in more events this coming season.

Current and Former Volunteer or Board Roles

• Jamestown Public Schools Board of Education – Chair of the Finance committee.
• Chautauqua Area Scholarship Program – Treasurer
• Kallie’s Krusade, Chautauqua Area Girl Scouts, and Holy Family Catholic Schools Parent Association – Past Board member
• Toys for Tots, Salvation Army Bell Ringers – Volunteer

Personal Interests

I enjoy kayaking on Lake Erie and Chautauqua Lake, and creating art from beach glass found along Lake Erie. I attempt to golf, just not very well.