Sharon previously served a 32-year career in the U.S. Air Force with assignments encompassing acquisition, human resources, and legislative affairs. She retired in 2014 in the grade of Major General and as commander of the Air Force's Washington operations where her 5,700-person command supported 60,000 military and civilian personnel worldwide. In this capacity, she was also responsible for organizing, training and equipping combat forces for aerospace expeditionary operations, homeland security, civil support, national special security, and ceremonial events.
Sharon graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science from the U.S. Air Force Academy in the third class of women to be accepted there and graduated with distinction from the National War College with a Master’s degree in National Security Studies. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from California State University at Long Beach and has completed her doctoral studies in Public Policy at The George Washington University. Sharon serves on the board of directors for the Armed Services YMCA, the Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital, and Be The Change, Inc.