About Sharon

I am an experienced non-profit leader and organizational strategist with over 30 years experience as an executive director and consultant. My areas of expertise include building anti-racist approaches to leadership, assessment of infrastructure, organizational culture and human resources needs, and strategic planning.

I have primarily worked in the arts, youth development, and social services. Before consulting full-time, I led the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley, California, for several years. Following this, I was an Executive Search Consultant with Stacy Nelson & Associates. My full resume can be found here.

Sharon Dolan Consulting
photo: Irene Young

Current and Recent Clients

  • Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra – Interim Executive Director (2023 – 2024)
  • Bay Area Children’s Theatre – Interim Executive Director (2023)
  • California Film Institute – Interim Deputy Director (2022-2023)
  • Yerba Buena Community Benefit District – Interim Executive Director (2022)
  • San Francisco Bay Area Theater Company – Strategic Planning Consultant (2022)
  • Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center – Onboarding Executive Director (2022)
  • Aurora Theatre – Interim Managing Director (2021-2022)
  • Next River – Hiring Consultant (2022)
  • Arts Council of Napa Valley – Strategic Planning Consultant (with Sutherland Strategies, 2021)
  • Healthy Richmond Coalition – Strategic Planning Consultant (with Y’s Change, 2021)

Testimonials

“Thank you Sharon Dolan for trusting with me the dream that became, ‘Just Like A Woman’. You did good work keeping the music the focal point. But here’s what I loved most: you knew the Folk Music meant the music of the folks, all of them.”
Rhonda Benin, Artistic Director/PerformerJust Like a Woman | Freight & Salvage
“Sharon is an extraordinary arts leader who is able to manage complex organizations, inspire new strategies, and bring new voices to the table in the community. She is a creative thinker and problem solver, and willing to roll up her sleeves with a sense of teamwork to get the work done.”
John Caner, Executive DirectorDowntown Berkeley Association