Sharon Knight is seasoned professional with more than 25 years’ experience in nonprofits, foundations and education. She brings broad knowledge and expertise in a full spectrum of skills and strategies that organizations need to excel in this fast-moving environment.
Sharon Knight is skilled at both strategy and operations, with a proven history of building internal and external partnerships to fully leverage resources and engage all stakeholders to maximize results. She has a track record of establishing operational best practices, financial stability, increased team effectiveness, fundraising, policy development, advocacy, evaluation systems, innovation and program growth.
Sharon has worked with organizations of all sizes, from small start-ups to large (1,000+) employee groups – taking them from good to great. She may be engaged for small, targeted projects or long-term assignments to fulfill unmet needs within companies, educational organizations or nonprofits.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Strategic agility
- Business acumen
- Building strong teams
- Revenue development
- Presentation skills
- Results-driven leadership
- Effectiveness and mission accomplishment
- Managing with vision and purpose
- Collaboration and consensus building
- Media & public relations
- Managing conflict
- Diversity
WHO IS SHE PROFESSIONALLY?
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Warren Village, Denver, CO, President and CEO (5 yrs.)
- Executive leadership for nationally recognized nonprofit with transitional housing, a comprehensive early learning center, career track programs and support services for previously homeless single parent families. Strategic and agile leadership for 64 employees, two housing facilities, programs and services, revenue development, volunteer programs and administrative functions necessary to successful accomplish mission and maintain accountability.
- Fiscal responsibility for $4.7 million budget. Initiated financial turn-around for organization, establishing solvency and fiscal strength in year one after three years of red-line budgets (FY net assets from -$320,000 to +$600,000). Exceptional revenue development, contract management and cost containment.
Colorado Nonprofit Association, Denver, Colorado,Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; Interim President and CEO (6 yrs.)
- Provided strategic, operational and financial leadership for Association staff and programs.
- Developed key relationships with nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, businesses, government offices and policy-makers across the state.
- Author for numerous publications on nonprofit effectiveness, organizational development and board governance. Extensive training, presentation and consulting on topics critical to the nonprofit sector.
Front Range Community College, Westminster, Colorado, Executive Director, FRCC Foundation; Director Organizational and Professional Development (8.5 yrs.)
- Provided leadership for the foundation of the largest community college in the state of Colorado. Established and facilitated four boards of directors (55 members) to represent campus locations from north Denver to Wyoming.
- Increased net assets of the FRCC Foundation 2,100%, while funding numerous annual programs and raising money for capital projects.
- Developed and led successful partnerships between public, private organizations, K-12 districts, universities and the college.
- Designed and provided leadership for the inaugural organizational and professional development program for the college’s 1,200 plus employees. This was the only model of its kind in the state.
Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove, Illinois, Dean of the Aurora Campus and Institutional Advancement; Executive Director, Waubonsee Community College Foundation (6 yrs.)
- Provided leadership for the operations of the multi-cultural, urban campus with 200+ employees, higher education programs, security, facility crews, Small Business Development Center, ESL, and Adult Basic Education programs.
- Established foundation supporting scholarships, programs and capital development.
- Liaison between the college and the city. Participation on 15 civic boards as well as several mayoral appointments.
- Leadership and oversight for marketing, public relations, community outreach, alumni affairs, and advancement.
- Development/implementation of the first comprehensive staff development program for 900+ employees of the college.
Sharon also has experience as a K-12 teacher in Vermont and both a teacher and principal in Oregon.
EDUCATION
- MEd., Psychology, Antioch University – New England, Keene, NH
- K-12 Education Administration Certification, Portland State University, Portland, OR
- BS., Education, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
WHO IS SHE PERSONALLY?
Sharon has lived in Colorado for more than 20 years. She is very active and loves being outdoors. An avid hiker, she has hiked many of the trails across the Front Range, Oregon, New England and Illinois. In 2013 she trekked through the jungle to observe gorillas in Africa and in 2015, she hiked 125 miles in Peru, including the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and Colca Canyon. She has been hiking 14ers the last couple of years. Two current goals include climbing additional 14ers and hiking the Camino del Santiago in Spain. Beyond hiking, Sharon enjoys skiing, biking, working out at the gym, traveling, reading, cooking, gardening, music and entertaining with friends.
Sharon Knight Consulting 