Bio:
Sherri Fenton graduated with a BA from Miami University. She then pursued a career in advertising, rapidly achieving a position as VP, Account Supervisor of an automotive division. A move from selling creative concepts to selling tangible sports equipment marked her next transition, and she achieved Rep of the Year for the leading tennis company.
Following starting a family back in Traverse City, the non-profit world presented an opportunity to be Development and Marketing Director at a local free health clinic, where she then pursued a Certificate in Fundraising Management for Indiana University College of Philanthropy, and raised $7M to build the clinic a new space.
In 2016, Sherri was asked to join her family business, Black Star Farms, which had been operating since 1998. Today, Sherri is the managing owner, overseeing hospitality and operations, including an Inn, culinary services, events, training, HR, and property management at the winery estate.
She brought a wealth of business development, sales, marketing, and PR experience from various industries to the team. Her nine years in the local non-profit sector brought her close to the heart of the local community, and she continues to be passionate about developing Black Star Farms, the greater Grand Traverse Region, and Traverse Wine Coast as increasingly strong economic drivers in the region.
Sherri is active in the region’s hospitality and tourism grassroots efforts outside of her family farm, serving as an active board member of Traverse City Tourism since 2021, including participation in the Inaugural Hospitality Awards Committee.
Sherri is also has served for the past 3 years as President of the Board of Directors for Traverse Wine Coast, as well as a Board of Director with the Michigan Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society where she is involved in fundraising and local program development.
Following starting a family back in Traverse City, the non-profit world presented an opportunity to be Development and Marketing Director at a local free health clinic, where she then pursued a Certificate in Fundraising Management for Indiana University College of Philanthropy, and raised $7M to build the clinic a new space.
In 2016, Sherri was asked to join her family business, Black Star Farms, which had been operating since 1998. Today, Sherri is the managing owner, overseeing hospitality and operations, including an Inn, culinary services, events, training, HR, and property management at the winery estate.
She brought a wealth of business development, sales, marketing, and PR experience from various industries to the team. Her nine years in the local non-profit sector brought her close to the heart of the local community, and she continues to be passionate about developing Black Star Farms, the greater Grand Traverse Region, and Traverse Wine Coast as increasingly strong economic drivers in the region.
Sherri is active in the region’s hospitality and tourism grassroots efforts outside of her family farm, serving as an active board member of Traverse City Tourism since 2021, including participation in the Inaugural Hospitality Awards Committee.
Sherri is also has served for the past 3 years as President of the Board of Directors for Traverse Wine Coast, as well as a Board of Director with the Michigan Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society where she is involved in fundraising and local program development.