Valerie Sherman

Valerie Sherman is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in gift planning and fundraising within higher education institutions. Currently serving as the Director of Major and Planned Giving at Colby College since January 2022, Valerie oversees the gift planning program and a leadership gifts team, facilitating significant contributions through various tax-conscious strategies. Previously, Valerie held roles as Director of Gift Planning at both Colby College and Saint Mary's College, consistently achieving over $1 million in annual fundraising. Additional experience includes consulting for IES Abroad, serving as Associate Director of Gift Planning at Northwestern University, and holding judicial clerk positions at the Illinois Appellate Court and Circuit Court of Cook County. Valerie holds a Juris Doctorate from DePaul University College of Law and various certifications from Northwestern University in project management and nonprofit fundraising, alongside a Bachelor's degree from Illinois State University.