Shellie Rayford, a committed community volunteer and leader, has been elected 2024-2025 chair of the Metrocrest Services Board of Directors. The non-profit organization, which provides programs for individuals, families and seniors that lead to self-sufficiency and foster independence, is growing to meet an increased demand for services.

“We are grateful for the individuals who bring a wealth of perspective, experience and dedication to their roles on our board,” said Tracy Eubanks, CEO of Metrocrest Services. “Under Shellie’s leadership, we are sure that this board will have a great impact on our organization and its future.”

With more than 26 years of experience in the financial services industry, Rayford is responsible for providing oversight for audit coverage of Citigroup’s Enterprise Services and Public Affairs and Human Resources in her role as managing director of Citigroup’s Internal Audit function, where she leads a team of 60 professionals.

Rayford was first introduced to Metrocrest Services through Citi, which had selected the non-profit as an organization that employees could support through food drives and other volunteer activities. Rayford had such a positive experience volunteering with Metrocrest Services through her workplace that she decided to grow her own personal volunteerism through her work with the non-profit organization.

“Community service and giving back is such a big part of Citi and what we do as a company, but also for me as an individual,” Rayford said. “I get a lot of joy out of giving back, especially with Metrocrest Services, because we’re improving the community and helping get people back on their feet. Being part of that is a wonderful opportunity.”

Metrocrest Services specializes in helping individuals, families and seniors navigate through crisis situations and work to stabilize their lives for a brighter future. The many different services the non-profit offers are organized around three levels of care: helping people meet basic needs, like food and shelter; building self-sufficiency with employment coaching and financial education; and enhancing their quality of life through education on a variety of topics.

“Clients of Metrocrest Services are treated with dignity and respect, and we’re really listening to their needs,” Rayford said. “The services here provide a pathway for people to excel and support themselves.”

The non-profit organization has grown to meet an immense increase in need among North Texans, and last year celebrated a new home in Carrollton at the corner of Belt Line and Josey, where clients of Metrocrest Services find help and hope through services offered with dignity and respect.

Rayford is particularly excited about the partnerships Metrocrest Services has with additional service providers in the community, who come on-site to help Metrocrest Services clients with other needs, including eyeglasses and mental health support services.

“I am very excited about the partnership opportunities with other service providers so we can offer even more to the community,” Rayford said. “Having space and opportunity for people to come into Metrocrest Services and get an even broader gambit of services is the focus right now. As a board, we ask ourselves how we can support that mission to make sure the funding and partnerships are there so we can have a significant impact on the client base.”

Rayford is a graduate of Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana, with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and computer information systems.

In addition to her leadership duties on the Metrocrest Services Board of Directors, Rayford also is an involved member of Delta Sigma Theta, a sorority with a heavy focus on social action, mental health, financial planning and youth programs. Rayford resides in Keller with her husband and three children.