Commissioner Kristen Shelman

Commissioner Kristen Shelman was born in Saint Anthony, Idaho. She graduated from South Fremont High School, Northwest College in Powell, WY with an Associate Degree in General Studies, and then from BYU-Idaho with a Bachelor Degree in Geology, with minors in Hydrology and Agriculture. Kristen moved to Harney County when she married her husband Casey Shelman in 2003. They have four kids.

Kristen has always been involved in the Livestock and Agriculture Industries. Her passion for these industries gives her an important background to understand economic drivers and issues in Harney County.

Commissioner Shelman, was first appointed to fill a vacated position as Harney County Commissioner in February of 2020, and was subsequently elected to this position the 2020 primary election. Her current term is from January 2021 – December 2024.

Boards / Committees / Involvement
• Harney County Budget Board
• Harney County Fair Board
• Harney County Natural Resources Advisory Committee
• Blues Intergovernmental Council
• Harney Basin Wetlands Collaborative
• Malheur National Wildlife Comprehensive Conservation Plan Collaborative
• Harney County Forest Restoration Collaborative
• Harney County Wildfire Collaborative
• Community Based Water Planning
• Eastern Oregon Counties Association
• AOC Natural Resources Committee
• Harney County Community Revitalization Team
• Community Renewable Energy Association