It is with deep sadness that we recognize the passing of Sharon Doherty-Ritter, the Director of Management Advisory Services (MAS), on October 12, 2020. Sharon came to UMBC in 2001 as a management analyst in the newly formed Management Advisory Services office, and was named Director in 2014. She received her B.S. degree in accounting from the University of Maryland, College Park and she was a Certified Public Accountant. She obtained her MBA degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus in 2013.
Sharon came to UMBC with a wealth of experience in the fields of accounting and auditing, having worked for a number of years in the private sector and with the State Office of Legislative Audit. Through Sharon’s efforts and expertise, management of internal and external audits, improved internal controls and fraud training, and compliance improvement efforts were significantly strengthened. She also played a major role in the public-private partnerships (P3) for Walker Avenue Apartments and Erickson and Harbor Halls. Erickson and Harbor Halls eventually became the first P3 project in the University System of Maryland to be completely paid off and Sharon was a key player in this achievement.
As a colleague, she demonstrated her expertise and professionalism but was also pragmatic and supportive. She was a well-respected and trusted representative for UMBC with auditors from the State, USM and external granting agencies and foundations. She forged strong working relationships with units across campus and was often sought out for advice.
Sharon will be remembered with respect and affection by the many colleagues who benefitted from her kindly wisdom and generous support. She was always available to help formulate possible solutions or identify next steps. Her commitment and dedication to UMBC was demonstrated on a daily basis and she will be greatly missed.
Lynne C. Schaefer, Vice President for Administration and Finance
Terry Cook, Senior Associate Vice President for Administrative Services
