Sue Sharkey has long been involved in leadership and business in Colorado. She served two elected terms (12 years) on The University of Colorado’s Board of Regents, representing Colorado’s 4th Congressional District after her initial election in 2010 and reelection in 2016.
During her tenure, Sharkey held numerous senior leadership roles within the Board of Regents. She served as Chair of the Board for two terms from 2017-2019, and three terms as Vice-Chair of the Board. Her committee leadership included Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, Governance Committee, Capital Construction Committee, Awards Committee, and Strategic Planning Committee. She also served as Vice Chair of the Intercollegiate Athletics Committee, University Affairs Committee, and the university liaison for the Colorado Health Board. Along with the various committees, Sharkey also served as the Regent liaison to the CU Foundation board. She was Vice Chair on the search committee for the President of The University of Colorado. Her last action as a Regent was to vote in favor of Coach “Prime” Deion Sanders football contract at CU Boulder.
Among her legislative and policy contributions, Sharkey was instrumental in the passing of House Bill 1350 in 2012, which extends resident student tuition to active-duty military personnel and their dependents pursuing their education at CU. She initiated this effort by advancing a formal resolution of support and policy at the university through the Board of Regents and working with state legislators to bring a bill forward into law.
In August 2023, Sharkey was appointed as a Trustee to The University of Colorado Foundation, further extending her involvement in higher education advancement and philanthropy.
Sharkey’s leadership development includes participation in the Leadership Program of the Rockies (class of 2008-2009). In 2017 she was nominated by Arthur Brooks, then President of the American Enterprise Institute, to participate in AEI’s leadership program. She is a 2026 candidate for Colorado Springs Leadership Institute (CSLI).
Her current and past board and advisory roles reflect a commitment to civic, philanthropic, and community organizations. These include Vice President Pikes Peak or Bust Foundation Board, The Legacy Foundation Board, Downtown Colorado Springs Rotary, Colorado Women’s Foundation, past President and current Vice President WWII 306 th Bomb Group Historical Association – honoring the unit in which her father served as B-17 bomber pilot during WWII, she also serves on the advisory council for One Chance to Grow Up, and is a member of the Colorado Thirty Group and the Pikes Peak Roundtable.
Raised in a military family, Sharkey lived both overseas and throughout the United States before ultimately making Colorado Springs her home. Spending time with her three kids, their spouses, and 8 grandchildren brings her the greatest joy. Sue enjoys traveling and particularly road trips across the country with her husband David in their RV.