about
Sheryl Alexander
Philanthropy Consultant
Sheryl grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and has lived in various places around the country. She spent more than a decade with the American Red Cross in various capacities nationwide and at their headquarters in Washington, D.C. She served as interim CEO for Community Foundation Sonoma County, president and CEO for the Inland Empire Community Foundation, and executive director at Foothill DeAnza Community College Foundation.
Sheryl has held many fundraising and operations posts that support diverse causes — ranging from healthcare and medicine, to disaster relief and community-building, to children’s media and education — at various organizations, including:
- Hanna Center – Sonoma, California
- Palo Alto Humane Society – Palo Alto, California
- Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – San Jose, California
- Dixon Gallery and Gardens – Memphis, Tennessee
- Discovery Eye Foundation – Los Angeles
- Goodwill Industries – San Francisco
- Golden Gate University – San Francisco
Currently, Sheryl serves on the Board of Directors for the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, including the past two years as President of the Board. She is an active member of the Sonoma Salon Leadership Team — a 25-year-old organization comprised of 50 of Sonoma Valley's most respected and engaged professional women, who gather monthly for lectures and conversation. Her most significant work, however, lies in her role as a coach and advisor to nonprofit CEOs and Executive Directors across Sonoma and beyond, a practice she has developed over the past three years.
Leadership & Community Involvement
- Sonoma Valley Museum of Art — Board of Directors Member; President of the Board (2 years)
- Sonoma Salon Leadership Team — Member of a premier 25-year-old network of 50 leading professional women in Sonoma Valley
- Nonprofit Executive Coaching — Coach and advisor to multiple nonprofit CEOs and Executive Directors, locally and nationally (3 years)
Sheryl has always celebrated the rich tapestries of the organizations and communities she serves. She prioritizes equality, inclusion and transparency in all efforts through listening to, valuing and respecting each individual, organization and community.
Innovative approaches and proven strategies — as well as a knack for inspiring people’s innate generosity — allow Sheryl to partner with your nonprofit to attract donors and resources, increase capacity, fund and run key programs, and meet the long- and short-term needs and mission of your organization and its constituents.
Sheryl Alexander has been an unwavering source of wisdom and support as I’ve navigated my role at Mendocino Winegrowers. Her strategic insight and thoughtful guidance have been invaluable, offering clarity and confidence in moments of uncertainty. Her expertise and generosity in sharing her knowledge make her an incredible asset to anyone seeking guidance.
Bonnie Butcher
Once again, thank you so much for the great work you did on Saturday facilitating our start on the road to a strategic plan for Sonoma Plein Air's next 3+ years. I believe we accomplished a productive session in which all participants engaged and that we came to a mutual understanding and appreciation of the way forward.
Cheryl Shimek
Sheryl is an exceptional professional adept at navigating the nuances of non-profit leadership. With her extensive experience and knowledge, she offers a client-centered, direct and candid approach underscored by her exceptional listening and creative problem-solving skills.
Sherry Preiss
Sheryl is not only a highly qualified professional, she is a woman of unparalleled character, honesty and caring. She will provide creative, donor-specific strategies that can transform your organization. It is exceptionally rare to find someone of her experience in Sonoma Valley.
Dub Hay
Sheryl has the ability to help you get right to the heart of whatever challenge you are facing. She is just the right combination of professional and caring. Her skills, experience, and warmth have been instrumental to me in advancing my career.