As Community Development Director for Panattoni Development Company in North America, Shirley Folkins-Roberts leads the company’s community engagement initiatives, representing Panattoni in commercial real estate and infrastructure policy at both the state and national levels. Since joining Panattoni in 2014, she has contributed to the development of over four million square feet of commercial real estate.

Shirley is a passionate advocate for Nevada’s nonprofit sector. She co-founded the Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation (NNCCF) and dedicated over two decades to advancing advocacy efforts, legislation, and support for families battling childhood cancer. As Executive Director of NNCCF from 2018 to 2021, Shirley played a key role in expanding resources and advancing childhood cancer research in the region. She remains involved with several cancer-related initiatives and serves on the National Advocacy Committee for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and the Steering Committee for the Max Vincze Foundation, which supports research for adolescent and young adult cancers.

Her community impact extends to multiple philanthropic and civic organizations. Shirley is an active member and Chair of the REMSA Health Board of Directors, serves as a Trustee for the Reno Philharmonic, and is involved with the Rotary Club of Reno Central. In 2024, she was appointed by the Governor to the Nevada Strategic Growth Initiative Board, a role that focuses on guiding the state's economic diversification.

Shirley holds a Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Davis. She is licensed to practice law in California and Nevada.