Sheri Stuart

Nominated by colleagues, and selected by a national jury, Sheri Stuart is being recognized for her tireless leadership, ceaseless innovation, and commitment to building strong local economies across Oregon.

“Sheri Stuart is an incredible example of what Main Street leadership looks like in action,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO at Main Street America. ​“Her purposeful approach to statewide coordination, her ability to spark innovation in rural and urban communities alike, and her tireless advocacy for reinvestment in Oregon’s Main Streets make her an exemplary recipient of this award.”

Katie Henry, Commissioner Coordinator at Oregon Heritage, nominated Sheri for the award. The organization’s current and former board chairs and State Director at Washington State Main Street Program, Breanne Durham, submitted letters of support, each describing Sheri’s immense enthusiasm and peerless passion for Oregon’s small business owners and the Main Street Approach™.

Throughout her 30 year career, Sheri has worked at nearly every level of the Main Street movement: local, national, and statewide. Since becoming the Oregon Main Street Coordinator in 2009, the network has grown to over 100 communities.
 

“Sheri’s superpower is her ability to see potential and possibility where others do not,” said Christine Curran, Heritage Division Director at Oregon’s State Historic Preservation Office. ​“She observes, listens, and asks questions. She helps community members envision possibilities and empowers them with resources and expertise. Her enthusiasm is infectious — she inspires organized action and helps communities believe in themselves.”

A creative thinker and collaborative partner, Sheri removes her ego from the work, consistently evaluates her approach, and seeks ways to improve service, support communities, and adapt to emerging trends. She has cultivated multiple critical statewide partnerships to leverage tools, resources, and trainings to support Oregon’s main street communities.

Her leadership was instrumental in the establishment of a high-impact Oregon Main Street grant program. To date, the program has awarded over $17 million to support for over 100 capital improvement projects, revitalizing storefronts, supporting small businesses, and preserving historic buildings across Oregon.

“Sheri Stuart’s impact on my role as a Main Street Director has been profound,” remarked Rebecca Hollenbeck, Main Street Director at Historic Willamette. ​“Her influence on our entire program is evident through the vast Main Street knowledge she has introduced to everyone connected to our organization.”
 

Sheri Stuart is an exceptional leader who transforms communities and bridges the rural-urban divide through strategic vision, empathy, inclusivity, approachability, and innovation. She is both a keeper of the movement’s roots and an explorer of its future. Her work continues to inspire communities across the Main Street movement to preserve their unique identities while building vibrant, diverse, and resilient futures. 

Main Street America is honored to celebrate Sheri’s remarkable career with the 2025 Mary Means Leadership Award.