Shari’s energy and passion for the community is infectious. She is blazing a new trail at the Conservancy, backed by her 30+ years of leadership experience in building both nonprofit and for-profit businesses.
For nearly 18 years Shari served as the executive director for Common Hope, an international, multicultural nonprofit serving children and families in Guatemala. While there, Shari was able to grow and expand the mission’s reach significantly, successfully transitioning from grass roots to a sustainable organization meeting generational commitments for the children and families served. In that time, Shari and her team not only raised their $5 million annual budget, but also established $6.4 million in financial reserves. Most importantly, the students graduating through Common Hope’s programs did so at 3-4 times the national average, which positively impacts their families for generations to come.
Prior to her time with Common Hope, Shari’s leadership experience was in a rapidly growing, entrepreneurial organization that ultimately became FICO, the world leader in consumer analytics.
As a long-time St. Paulite, Shari is excited to be serving her community through the Conservancy. “I grew up in Northern Minnesota, and the woods and lakes were my playground. Part of what drew me to St. Paul was the close access to nature while living in the city.” Shari and her husband Tom raised their two kids in Saint Paul, benefiting from the many parks and recreation programs over the years. “Now is my opportunity to ensure that St. Paul’s parks will continue to be an integral part of the lives of our community for generations to come.”
In her free time, Shari loves to explore the people, cultures and places of the world – whether by reading, traveling, or simply taking long walks in new places.