Sharon W. Maxwell

Sharon W. Maxwell is a seasoned financial executive with more than 30 years of experience in financial management, strategic planning, and organizational leadership across the Chicagoland area. Known for her disciplined approach and strategic insight, Sharon brings clarity and mission-aligned decision-making to complex financial environments. As Senior Vice President for Business and Finance at Aurora University, she leads the institution’s financial and operational functions—including accounting, treasury, human resources, risk management, and compliance—while serving as a trusted advisor to the President and Board of Trustees.

Throughout her tenure, Sharon has guided Aurora University through major fiscal milestones, including navigating a statewide budget crisis that impacted millions in student financial aid, overseeing multimillion-dollar bond restructurings, managing the university’s endowment, and ensuring year-over-year financial stability to support long-term institutional investment. Her leadership has been central to aligning financial strategy with student-focused outcomes and institutional priorities.

Before joining Aurora University, Sharon held senior finance roles in both private industry and public accounting. She served as Vice President of Finance and Administration for a privately held chemical manufacturer, and began her career at a national public accounting firm, managing audits and advisory services for a portfolio of privately held manufacturing and service companies.

Sharon earned her Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, cum laude, from Illinois Wesleyan University. She is deeply committed to higher education and finds purpose in applying her corporate experience to support the transformative power of learning. With a focus on transparency, collaboration, and sound fiscal stewardship, Sharon continues to champion strategic financial leadership in service to students and the university community.